Become a Burbank Waste Warrior!
2025 Class Syllabus and Schedule
Read about the program's details! Download the pamphlet to learn more about each class and what is required.
Registration for waste warriors 2026 has begun!
Classes are held on either a Saturday morning or a Wednesday evening. Click the link above (or the photo) to view the 2026 Waste Warriors program and class syllabus.
The program involves eight diverse classes over a 3-month period (January through March) that cover all aspects of Zero Waste principles, including the 8 R’s of waste reduction:
- Rethink (Redesigning our systems, habits, and mindsets)
- Refuse (say no to unnecessary waste)
- Reduce (share it, rent it, borrow it)
- Reuse (refill, repurpose)
- Recycle (remanufacture used materials)
- Return (give nutrients back to nature)
- Repair (fix, mend, restore)
- Regulation (manufacturer responsibility, policy,
packaging recyclability mandates)
Classes include hands-on projects, tours, guest speakers, and instruction from the professionals at the Burbank Recycle Center. Student participation in the program includes signing up on Slack (a free project management and communication tool), one hour of reading or viewing each week, and one final student project. In order to share the knowledge and create meaningful impact throughout Burbank, volunteering on community-based efforts or developing individual projects is also required.
HELP WITH SLACK: We want everyone to feel comfortable and inspired in their participation. Students unfamiliar with Slack or are uncomfortable with web-based communication tools, can call (818) 238 - 3903 and the Burbank Recycle Center staff can walk you through this technology.
HELP WITH SLACK: We want everyone to feel comfortable and inspired in their participation. Students unfamiliar with Slack or are uncomfortable with web-based communication tools, can call (818) 238 - 3903 and the Burbank Recycle Center staff can walk you through this technology.
WHO CAN APPLY?
This program is designed for Burbank residents. Non-residents may apply but will be put on a waiting list if space does open up.
WHEN DOES REGISTRATION END?
Registration is open until Friday, January 16th or until the class is filled. Registrations will then be placed on a waiting list in case any openings occur.
IS THERE ANY HOMEWORK?
While this is a free program, there is a lot of value with the class content and activities. Students should be prepared to participate in some weekly reading (and viewing) on topics pertinent to the upcoming class theme. We also are establishing an intimate community with a lot of shared experiences so participation in a weekly student forum is encouraged.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE BURBANK WASTE WARRIORS CLASSES ARE FINISHED?
Phase Two: The next stage of Burbank Waste Warriors begins with volunteering commitments with the Burbank Recycle Center (5-6 hours) and devoting time to any individual student’s priorities or interests through the rest of the year.
Graduation: Students will be honored at a City Council meeting (TBA the following January) with a Burbank Waste Warrior Program certificate and a photo with the Burbank Mayor.
WW Alumni Network: To continue the student learning journey and grow the Waste Warrior community, all students that finish the Waste Warrior classes will be added to the private group, WW Alumni Network. Being a WW alumnus includes periodic updates from the Burbank Recycle Center, gatherings and activities alerts, promoting environmental news and events, and notice of volunteer opportunities. There is also an invite to join the community at the Burbank Waste Warrior Facebook and Instagram pages, run by WW alumni.
This program is designed for Burbank residents. Non-residents may apply but will be put on a waiting list if space does open up.
WHEN DOES REGISTRATION END?
Registration is open until Friday, January 16th or until the class is filled. Registrations will then be placed on a waiting list in case any openings occur.
IS THERE ANY HOMEWORK?
While this is a free program, there is a lot of value with the class content and activities. Students should be prepared to participate in some weekly reading (and viewing) on topics pertinent to the upcoming class theme. We also are establishing an intimate community with a lot of shared experiences so participation in a weekly student forum is encouraged.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE BURBANK WASTE WARRIORS CLASSES ARE FINISHED?
Phase Two: The next stage of Burbank Waste Warriors begins with volunteering commitments with the Burbank Recycle Center (5-6 hours) and devoting time to any individual student’s priorities or interests through the rest of the year.
Graduation: Students will be honored at a City Council meeting (TBA the following January) with a Burbank Waste Warrior Program certificate and a photo with the Burbank Mayor.
WW Alumni Network: To continue the student learning journey and grow the Waste Warrior community, all students that finish the Waste Warrior classes will be added to the private group, WW Alumni Network. Being a WW alumnus includes periodic updates from the Burbank Recycle Center, gatherings and activities alerts, promoting environmental news and events, and notice of volunteer opportunities. There is also an invite to join the community at the Burbank Waste Warrior Facebook and Instagram pages, run by WW alumni.
Just because you go through the Waste Warior training doesn't mean your journey ends there. Every student to the program joins other graduates in our growing community. We share, network, join forces, mentor, brainstorm, and provide a community of neighbors who care about reducing waste. Many alumni go on to further their education, form partnerships, become entreprenuers, join committees, volunteer or influence their workplaces, schools and networks.
The Burbank Recycle Center staff hosts regular Waste Warrior alumni gatherings, including pot lucks and volunteer opportunities, to keep each other inspired.
The Burbank Recycle Center staff hosts regular Waste Warrior alumni gatherings, including pot lucks and volunteer opportunities, to keep each other inspired.
ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
