Submitted by Riverside County Department of Waste Resources
The months following high school and college graduation can feel aimless or lonely, but volunteering provides an opportunity to stay engaged, meet new people, and learn new skills. Following her graduation from UCLA, where she earned a degree in Environmental Studies, Katera Lee sought ways to continue gaining experience in her field and connections in her hometown of Moreno Valley.
Katera completed the Master Composter Training course and volunteer application simultaneously, donating her time, composting expertise, and infectious energy during Department of Waste Resources events, such as the annual Kids’ Eco Day (formerly the Kids Summer Recycle Camp). “I found the opportunity randomly, and it was a way for me support my local community while following my environmentally driven interests,” she said.
Katera has composted at home for several years, and recently, introduced the idea of composting at the workplace to her colleagues at the City of Riverside, where she is a CivicSparks fellow.
“This experience has opened my perspective on waste,” she said. “From a landfill perspective, it makes me feel hopeful.”
If you’re interested in joining sustainability-motivated volunteers like Katera, our next Volunteer Orientation and Training will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Waste Resources headquarters office (14310 Frederick St., Moreno Valley, CA 92553).
How to Get Started:
- Fill out an application
- Attend the Volunteer Orientation Training
- Complete and pass a background check and Live Scan
- Start volunteering!
For more information, visit our website, call 951.486.3200, or email Waste-Volunteer@rivco.org.
