Who We Are

1 Plastic Life began with a simple belief:
one small action can change a life.
When local agencies were slow to respond to rising homelessness, addiction, and plastic pollution in Los Angeles, we stepped forward. What began as grassroots work — talking to community members, collecting recyclables, and supporting people in need — has grown into a fully certified CRV recycling and job-training program.
Today, we partner with schools, events, small businesses, and community organizations, collecting CRV containers, reducing plastic waste, and offering paid workforce opportunities to individuals experiencing homelessness or unemployment.
Our work is driven by compassion, community, and the belief that environmental sustainability and human dignity must go hand-in-hand.

What We Do

1 Plastic Life provides CRV recycling services for schools and events across Los Angeles, helping campuses and venues reduce waste while supporting individuals rebuilding their lives.
Through our programs, we:

• Install clear, accessible CRV recycling systems
  
• Collect CRV and recyclable plastics weekly or as needed
  
• Provide sustainability data and impact reports
• Offer student recycling education and participation
  
• ​Feature partner schools and events that support sustainability
• Transform CRV plastics into new items using professional Precious Plastic machines
• ​Provide paid job training, workforce development, and wraparound support for individuals in need

Our approach blends environmental impact + social impact, giving schools and events a measurable sustainability program while creating meaningful jobs for people facing homelessness or unemployment.
Our recycling operations are licensed, certified, and compliant with all CRV handling regulations, making them ideal for schools, festivals, corporate events, community centers, and districts looking for verified sustainability solutions.

​Why It Matters

Los Angeles faces two urgent challenges:

• Plastic pollution

Schools and events often lack organized CRV recycling systems, allowing thousands of bottles and cans to end up in landfills every day.

• Homelessness and unemployment

Many individuals want to work but lack access to stable job opportunities and supportive environments.
1 Plastic Life sits at the intersection of both issues.
By partnering with schools and events, we:

• divert plastic waste from landfills
  
• reduce CO₂ emissions
• educate the next generation about sustainability.
  
• create paid job-training opportunities for people in need

Every bottle collected, every campus supported, and every participant trained moves Los Angeles toward a cleaner, more compassionate future.

​Our Values

Community
We believe real change starts locally — with students, partners, and residents working together.
Dignity
Everyone deserves respect, purpose, and the opportunity to rebuild their life.
Sustainability
We protect the environment by reducing plastic waste and promoting responsible recycling.
Education
We empower students and communities with knowledge about plastic pollution and sustainability.
Compassion
Our work is rooted in care — for people, for the environment, and for our city.
Innovation
From recycling machines to creative reuse, we are always exploring new ways to turn waste into purpose.

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CERTIFICATIONS, ACCREDITATION & OFFICIAL RECOGNITION

​CalRecycle — Community Service Program

1 Plastic Life is a Certified Community Service Recycling Program through CalRecycle, the State of California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.
This certification verifies that our recycling operations meet California’s standards for:

• environmental responsibility
  
• accurate CRV material handling and reporting
  
• community service compliance
  
• safe and sustainable program delivery
  

This designation reinforces our role as a trusted partner for schools, municipalities, and community organizations seeking a compliant and impact-driven recycling solution.

DEO — Social Enterprise

1 Plastic Life is a Certified Social Enterprise by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).
This recognition is awarded to organizations that demonstrate:

• measurable social impact
  
• job training and workforce development
  
• service to underserved or vulnerable populations
  
• reinvestment of revenue into community benefit
  

Our certification highlights our commitment to providing employment pathways for unhoused and unemployed individuals while supporting sustainability initiatives across Los Angeles.

​California Product Stewardship Council – Green Arrow Award Recipient

1 Plastic Life is the proud recipient of the Green Arrow Award from the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC).
This statewide award honors organizations that demonstrate:

• leadership in recycling and waste reduction
  
• innovative solutions to plastic pollution
  
• strong community partnerships
  
• measurable environmental impact
  

Receiving the Green Arrow Award recognizes our efforts to reduce plastic waste, strengthen community recycling systems, and provide life-changing opportunities through job training.

​1 Plastic Life is officially recognized by state and county agencies for its work in sustainability, recycling, and job-training. These certifications confirm that our CRV recycling program meets California’s environmental standards while creating meaningful opportunities for unhoused and unemployed individuals. Schools, events, and partners can trust that our operations are verified, accountable, and community-focused.
​These credentials help schools and event organizers verify compliance, trust our processes, and meet sustainability goals required by districts, venues, and municipalities.

READY TO PARTNER WITH US?

Bring certified CRV recycling and social impact to your school or event.
Contact us to get started.
Or explore our School Recycling Program and Event Recycling Services to learn more.