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Long Beach’s Compost and Recycling Ambassador Program Returns
By Staff Writer
Published on Wed, Jan 7, 2026
Dig into sustainability this spring with the City of Long Beach’s Compost and Recycling Ambassador (CRA) Program. The free seven-week training offers Long Beach residents the guidance to turn everyday sustainability into community action.
The program blends interactive lectures, hands-on learning and group collaboration to help participants better understand waste reduction strategies, the history and systems behind recycling, and practical composting methods. Residents will receive training in both vermicomposting and backyard composting, as well as learn how to use the City’s Organics Collection program to properly separate food scraps and yard trimmings that can’t be composted at home.
To expand access and support the City’s language access goals, the CRA program will once again be offered in both English and Spanish. The Spanish-language course is made possible through grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a partnership with Puente Latino Association, helping reach more residents and strengthen community-wide participation.
Spring 2026 sessions will be held in person at the Department of Energy and Environmental Services offices (2929 E. Willow St.) from 9 a.m. to noon. The English course will meet Thursdays from Feb. 19 through March 26, with a graduation session on April 16. The Spanish course will meet Saturdays from Feb. 21 through March 28, with graduation on April 18.
Participants who attend at least six of the seven sessions and complete 25 volunteer hours will earn certification as Compost and Recycling Ambassadors. Certified ambassadors help turn knowledge into action by modeling sustainable habits, sharing resources and encouraging waste reduction among friends, neighbors and community groups—extending the City’s outreach through a growing network of local leaders.
Registration opens Monday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. and will close once classes and waitlists are full. The program is open to Long Beach residents ages 18 and older, with no prior experience required. Space is limited, and preregistration is required at lbcity.info/CRA.
Additional CRA sessions will be offered in fall 2026.
