We're the Waste Watchers. We help students, residents and business people of Alachua County, Florida understand the need to reTHINK, reduce, reuse and recycle. The Waste Watchers public education campaign began in 1989, and now reaches thousands of people through mass media, FREE school, community and commercial presentations, and personal services such as providing compost bins.

The values that the Office of Waste Alternatives focuses on are:
• creative learning
• educational support
• environmental preservation
• community partnerships
• public information.

At the Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives, there are several opportunities for volunteers to help provide our community with effective waste reduction and waste alternative options. Our department is partnered with many-like minded organizations, including the School Board of Alachua County and Keep Alachua County Beautiful.

Examples of Available Opportunities:

Special Events — Participate in one or more of the many special events that we participate in each year.

Tools For Schools — Join our team at Alachua County’s local reusable resource center.

Buy S.M.A.R.T. — Visit local grocery stores and educate shoppers on how to Save Money And Reduce Trash.

Costumed Characters — Participate in schools, at festivals or at other special events as one of our Enviro-Heros.

Tour Guides — Give tours of various Alachua County Public Works facilities.

Professional Development — Join our office staff and learn basic-to-advanced public relations, graphic design and copywrighting skills.

There are many other ways volunteers can help our office help the environment. We are always looking for fresh ideas to help expand or improve all of our existing programs. Let's all do our part and keep the earth a beautiful place. Volunteer today to help Alachua County's Citizens Embrace Zero Waste!