How the Program Works

1. We set up your recycling system.
We provide clear CRV and plastic recycling signage and help identify the best locations for bins on campus — classrooms, offices, cafeterias, or hallways.
2. Students and staff place recyclables in the bins.
Participation is optional, and the program is designed not to add extra workload for teachers or office staff.
3. We collect materials weekly or as needed.
Our team picks up CRV containers and recyclable plastics on the schedule that works best for your campus.
4. We process and track the materials.
Materials are taken to certified processors or recycled through our machines. Every item is logged for accurate reporting.
5. We provide impact reports for your school.
You receive simple, data-focused reports showing how many bottles were collected, total pounds diverted, and how your school is supporting job training for unhoused individuals.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Lunchtime recycling demonstrations
• Student leadership opportunities
• Full NGSS-aligned sustainability curriculum
• Custom recycled-plastic projects (molds, items, school-branded products)

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What Schools Receive

Clear Recycling Signage

Ready-to-use CRV and plastic recycling signs for classrooms, offices, and key areas on campus. Students and staff immediately know what belongs in each bin.

Weekly or As-Needed Collection

Our team collects materials on a schedule that works for your school. No sorting, storing, or transporting is required — we handle everything.

Reusable Collection Bags

Durable, easy-to-carry bags for teachers, classroom aides, and office staff to place CRV containers and recyclable plastics.

Real-Time Tracking Link

Schools receive a live digital tracking sheet showing material counts, sources, and ongoing impact. Perfect for teachers, PTA, Green Team, or sustainability initiatives.

End-of-Year Impact Report

A clean, easy-to-read report showing your school’s total bottles collected, pounds diverted from landfills, and job training hours created.

Certificate of Participation

Schools receive an official certificate recognizing their contribution to sustainability and community support.

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​Program Options

​Basic Recycling Program

What’s included:

• CRV & plastic recycling signage
  
• Reusable collection bags
  
• Weekly or as-needed pickup
  
• Real-time tracking link
  
• End-of-year impact report
  
• Certificate of participation
  

Best for:
Schools wanting a simple, zero-work recycling solution with reliable pickups.

​Recycling + Student Engagement

Everything in Model 1, plus:

• Optional student leadership roles
  
• On-campus recycling demonstrations
  
• In-class Q&A sessions
  
• School-wide awareness campaign support
  
• Coordination with student clubs or Green Teams
  

Best for:
Schools wanting to increase student involvement and build campus culture around sustainability.

Full Education + Recycling Program

Everything in Model 2, plus:

• NGSS-aligned sustainability curriculum
  
• Teacher-ready lessons (turnkey format)
  
• Full campus audit (optional)
  
• Custom school sustainability plan
  
• Year-long engagement opportunities
  
• Optional recycled-plastic project (students create items)
  

Best for:
Schools wanting a complete educational pathway, including recycling, leadership, and curriculum.

 School Impact Data 

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Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences

Impact graphs coming soon

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Why Schools Need a Recycling Program

Most Los Angeles schools do not have a recycling system in place. CRV bottles and plastics often end up in regular trash bins, leading to unnecessary waste, higher disposal costs, and missed opportunities for student learning.
A school-based recycling program:

• Reduces waste and keeps plastic out of landfills
  
• Teaches students environmental responsibility
  
• Supports statewide sustainability goals
  
• Helps create job training opportunities for unhoused individuals
  
• Improves campus culture around stewardship and leadership
  
• Provides measurable documentation that schools can use for awards, grants, and Green Ribbon applications
  

1 Plastic Life gives schools a simple, turnkey program that requires no extra work from teachers or staff — and delivers meaningful community impact.

​Frequently Asked Questions

Do LAUSD schools currently have a recycling program?

Most LAUSD campuses do not have a functioning recycling system. CRV bottles often end up in regular trash bins. 1 Plastic Life provides an organized, turnkey solution that requires no extra work from teachers.

How much work is required from staff?

Almost none. We provide the signage, collection bags, and weekly or as-needed pickups. Staff only need to place recyclables in the designated bins.

Do students have to participate?

​Do students have to participate?

Are you an approved LAUSD vendor?

Yes. 1 Plastic Life is a certified vendor with LAUSD and fully approved to operate on school campuses.

What materials do you collect?

We collect CRV beverage containers (plastic bottles, aluminum cans) and certain post-consumer plastics depending on the program model.

How often do you pick up recyclables?

Weekly or as needed, depending on the school’s volume.

Do you provide educational materials?

Yes. Schools can choose a model with optional sustainability lessons, student engagement, or full NGSS-aligned curriculum.

How do schools track their impact?

Each school receives a real-time digital tracking link and an end-of-year impact report showing bottles collected, pounds diverted, and job-training hours created.

How does this program help the community?

Collected materials help fund paid job-training opportunities for unhoused and unemployed individuals in Los Angeles.

Is there a cost to the school?

Most program costs are covered through grants or partnerships. Schools may also choose additional add-ons depending on their needs.

Request School Services

Schools across Los Angeles are joining our recycling program to reduce waste, support student learning, and help unhoused individuals access job-training opportunities.
If your school is ready to get started, fill out the request form below.

​Suitable for elementary, middle, and high schools across LAUSD and surrounding districts.