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Become a Waste Warrior and Help Your Community!

2025 Class Syllabus and Schedule

Read about the program's details, including curriculum, schedule, and graduation requirements!

Waste Warriors

Registration for the 2026 Class will begin in November. 


The Burbank Waste Warriors is an intensive training program for people who want to learn more about zero waste concepts and how to engage with their community, improve the environment, and shape the future.  


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:

  1. Rethink (Redesigning our systems, habits, and mindsets)

  2. Refuse (say no to unnecessary waste)

  3. Reduce (share it, rent it, borrow it)

  4. Reuse (refill, repurpose)

  5. Recycle (remanufacture used materials)

  6. Return (give nutrients back to nature)

  7. Repair (fix, mend, restore)

  8. Regulation (manufacturer responsibility, policy,
    packaging recyclability)

You'll also learn about new California laws and practices, understand the consumption to disposal cycle, and find out why we need environmentally sound choices. 

Classes are held on either a Saturday morning or a Wednesday evening, with at least 10 day breaks in between.  View the detailed 2025 Waste Warriors Class Schedule (PDF) for more information.   

WHO CAN APPLY?  This program is designed for Burbank residents, however non-residents may apply but will be put on a waiting list if space does open up.

CURRICULUM AND PARTICIPATION:
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 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. 

Interested in learning more? Contact us at [email protected].  

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, volunteer opportunities, and zoom sessions to keep each other inspired.