Master Composter Training to Strengthen Composting Practices in Ukrainian Communities

Deadline: 16-Sep-2026

The Master-Composter: Transferring Czech and Slovak Experience to Ukrainian Communities course provides free online training on composting, bio-waste management, and circular economy practices. The programme is designed for Ukrainian communities, organisations, institutions, and individuals who want to develop or improve composting systems using practical experience from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

About the Master Composter Course

The specialised online course is delivered through the Zero Waste Academy learning platform. It aims to transfer practical knowledge and proven composting approaches from Czech and Slovak experts to Ukrainian communities. The initiative responds to the significant amount of bio-waste generated within Ukraine’s municipal waste stream. Participants will learn how composting can be implemented safely and effectively at household, organisational, and community levels.

The programme is implemented by:

- EcoNews NGO - Hnutí DUHA Olomouc - Priatelia Zeme – SPZ - Zero Waste Kharkiv The initiative is supported by the International Visegrad Fund and V4 governments. Key Details

- Programme: Master-Composter: Czech and Slovak Experience for Ukrainian Communities

- Format: Online

- Number of webinars: Five

- Course dates: September 22 to November 3, 2026

- Location: Online

- Participation fee: Free

- Target country: Ukraine

- Certificate: Available after successful completion of the final test

- Study tour: Slovakia, March 2027

- Study tour participants: Up to 12 of the most active participants

What Will Participants Learn? The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical guidance on composting and local bio-waste management.

Key learning areas include:

- Safe and effective composting methods - Community-level composting systems - Bio-waste management - Circular economy principles - Practical composting solutions - Adaptation of Czech and Slovak experience to Ukrainian communities - Environmental policy and local implementation - Approaches for reducing organic waste in municipal waste streams Participants will also receive access to a digital toolkit containing useful resources for applying the knowledge gained during the course. Who Is Eligible? The course is open to a broad range of Ukrainian participants interested in composting and bio-waste management.

Eligible participants include:

- Ukrainian communities - Civil society organisations - Institutions - Community initiatives - Individuals with existing composting experience - Individuals planning to introduce composting at home - People interested in implementing composting within organisations - Individuals interested in developing community-level composting systems Participants do not necessarily need to already operate a composting programme. People who are planning to introduce composting can also participate. Why Does the Programme Matter? Bio-waste represents a significant component of municipal waste. Proper composting can help communities reduce the amount of organic material sent to disposal while producing useful compost. The programme is particularly relevant because it combines international knowledge transfer with locally applicable solutions. Czech and Slovak specialists will share practical experience that participants can adapt to Ukrainian community conditions. The course can therefore help participants: - Improve local waste-management practices - Reduce organic waste - Promote circular-economy approaches - Develop community composting initiatives - Strengthen environmental awareness - Introduce practical composting solutions - Learn from established European experiences Course Benefits

Participants who successfully engage with the programme can receive several benefits

Certificate Participants who successfully complete the final test will receive a certificate confirming their participation and completion of the course requirements. Digital Toolkit Participants will receive access to a digital toolkit with practical resources and information related to composting and bio-waste management. Composting Kits Up to five participants will receive motivational composting kits. Study Tour to Slovakia The 12 most active participants will be invited to participate in a study tour to Slovakia planned for March 2027. The study tour will provide an opportunity to observe advanced composting and waste-management practices directly within local communities. How the Master Composter Course Works The programme consists of five specialised online webinars conducted between September 22 and November 3, 2026.

Step 1: Register

Interested Ukrainian participants should register for the course through the Zero Waste Academy learning platform.

Step 2: Attend the Online Webinars

Participants should attend the five scheduled webinars and engage with the training delivered by Czech and Slovak experts.

Step 3: Use the Learning Resources

Participants can use the digital toolkit and practical materials provided during the programme to strengthen their understanding of composting and bio-waste management.

Step 4: Complete the Final Test

Participants must successfully complete the final test to qualify for the course certificate.

Step 5: Participate in Further Opportunities

The most active participants may be selected for additional opportunities, including motivational composting kits and the March 2027 study tour to Slovakia. Tips for Applicants Applicants can improve their participation experience by: - Identifying a specific composting challenge in their community before starting the course. - Thinking about where composting could be introduced locally. - Preparing questions about household, institutional, or community composting. - Attending all five webinars. - Applying the practical knowledge to a real local situation. - Completing the final assessment successfully. - Remaining actively engaged throughout the programme if interested in the Slovakia study tour. Frequently Asked Questions Wh