Composting workshop checklist

A composting workshop needs more than bins and a short explanation. You need a clear program, working tools, prepared materials, participant information, and a room that is ready before anyone arrives. This checklist takes you from reserving the room and collecting registrations to setting up stations and explaining safe composting practices. Use it to check what must happen early, what can wait until the day before, and what should be ready before the first participant signs in.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve a room
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Develop the program and explanation
2 people
Check compost bins
2 people
Collect workshop materials
2 people
Collect compost materials
2 people
Prepare handouts
Print handouts
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Print participant list
Chill drinks
Prepare snacks
2 people
Check venue and power
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up compost bins
2 people
Set up the workshop stations
3 people
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
Hang up the information board

Event

Receive participants
2 people
Register attendance
Give safety instructions
Explain composting
Demonstrate compost bin
2 people
Build up compost layers
3 people
Guide participants
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
Answer questions
2 people
Hand out handouts
Cover compost material
2 people

Aftercare

Separate waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Clean workshop materials
2 people
Clean the room
3 people
Return materials
2 people
Return rental items
2 people
Send participant information

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Beer tablesqty 2

Workshop materials

Compost binsqty 3
Clear compost binsqty 2
Compost thermometersqty 2
Hand shovelsqty 6
Garden toolsqty 6
Work glovesqty 12
Bucketsqty 6
Watering canqty 2
Scale
Wood chipsqty 4
Dry leavesqty 4
Shredded cardboardqty 3
Compost sieveqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 6
Information boardsqty 4
Printed handoutsqty 40
Clipboardsqty 6
Markersqty 12
Writing pensqty 40
Tapeqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 45
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee potsqty 3
Teapotsqty 2

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Serving traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Tea towelsqty 12
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2

Lighting

Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the room, tables, chairs, power supply, and access to water at least one week before the workshop. Kettles, coffee pots, and the workshop stations often need more outlets and table space than expected.
Ask for dietary requirements when participants register, then buy snacks and drinks after the registration deadline. Chill drinks and prepare coffee and tea close to the start time rather than leaving them out for hours.
Prepare the workshop stations before participants arrive: place clear compost bins, thermometers, hand shovels, gloves, buckets, scales, and measuring cups where people can use them without sharing one crowded table.
Measure out the compost materials in advance instead of opening bags during the explanation. Keep wood chips, dry leaves, shredded cardboard, and other materials in separate buckets so participants can compare and combine them.
Print the participant list, handouts, and information boards before the day of the workshop. Keep pens, clipboards, markers, and tape together at the registration point so late arrivals can be registered without interrupting the demonstration.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a composting workshop?: Reserve the room and send invitations at least 2–3 weeks before the workshop. Set a registration deadline several days before the event so you can collect dietary requirements, print the participant list, and prepare enough handouts and materials.
What materials do I need for a composting workshop?: Plan for compost bins, compost thermometers, hand shovels, garden tools, work gloves, buckets, a watering can, a scale, measuring cups, and a compost sieve. You also need separate quantities of materials such as wood chips, dry leaves, and shredded cardboard for the practical stations.
When should I set up a composting workshop?: Set up the room and workshop stations at least 60–90 minutes before participants arrive. This gives you time to arrange tables and chairs, check the bins and power, put out handouts, prepare refreshments, and test that every station has the tools it needs.
How many handouts should I print for a composting workshop?: Print one handout per registered participant, plus 2–3 spare copies for late registrations or damaged pages. Prepare the final version after registration closes and keep a few copies at the information board and registration table.

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