Zero Waste Associates Course

Instructors: Ruth Abbe, Chrise de Tournay Birkhahn, and Amanda Rice Waddle

Guest Speakers from Zero Waste USA and other organizations.

Dates: February 26, 2026 – April 30, 2026; ZOOM (link will be provided after registration)

Location: Zoom

Class Dates - 5 Thursday Classes:

Class 1 - 2/26/2026, 10 am - 1:30 pm PT / 1 pm - 4:30 pm ET
Class 2 - 3/5/2026, 10 am - 1:30 pm PT / 1 pm - 4:30 pm ET
Class 3 - 3/12/2026, 10 am - 1:30 pm PT / 1 pm - 4:30 pm ET
Class 4 - 3/26/2026, 10 am - 1:30 pm PT / 1 pm - 4:30 pm ET

Class 5 - Project Presentation Class - 4/30/2026, 10 am - 2 pm PT / 1 pm - 5 pm ET

Note: There is no class on Thursday, March 19, 2026

Course Description:

The Zero Waste Associates (ZWA) Course teaches participants how to use the Zero Waste USA toolkits for Zero Waste business, institution, and community planning. This course includes 12 hours of instructive time during the first four classes, plus time for discussion and questions at the end of each class. This course teaches participants the basics of Zero Waste, the benefits of creating Zero Waste systems, and the eight steps to becoming Zero Waste. It also teaches students how to use the Zero Waste USA toolkits for businesses, institutions, and community planning. This class prepares the participants to use the Zero Waste USA Toolkits for their planning projects and as professionals or advocates working to create Zero Waste systems.

After the final class on March 26th, the participants will work on a planning project for five weeks. During the April 30th class, participants present their planning project (PowerPoint presentation) to fellow students, instructors, and guests.

Participants will take an open-book examination after the Project Presentation Class on April 30th. They will have two weeks to complete this.

Prerequisite: Students registered for the Zero Waste Associates course who have not taken Zero Waste USA’s Introduction to Zero Waste class must watch a recorded version.

Class Requirements: Students must attend all classes, complete assignments, participate in a planning project, present their planning project, and use and submit the Zero Waste USA toolkit. Students must also pass the examination with a score of 80% or higher and complete the evaluation. Assignments include 2-5 hours a week of watching videos, reading, and completing the Zero Waste USA toolkit.

Class Goal and Outcome: This course is designed for Zero Waste professionals who want to advance their knowledge and expertise in Zero Waste planning. Participants will gain knowledge and experience using the Zero Waste USA planning toolkit and be prepared to work with their municipality, business, or institution on Zero Waste.

Participants who complete this course will be certified as Zero Waste Associates by Zero Waste USA.

Questions: Email amanda@zerowasteusa.org

Register today:

$350 - General Registration

$300 - Zero Waste USA Affiliates

Group discounts and two-for-one registrations are available.

By registering for this course, you agree to receive communications from Zero Waste USA.

Contact the host of Zero Waste Associate Course 2026