HISTORY
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation is an award-winning environmental 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1983. Located in Encinitas, we serve all of San Diego County. Our classes, workshops, and events focus on soil, water, and waste, promoting upstream and preventative behaviors that are widely accessible. We make green living practical for individuals, businesses, schools, and local governments. Our organization believes in circular systems that support our vision: A world with landfills and oceans free of discarded resources. Small actions every day make a big impact. We are in the business of meeting each person wherever they are on their environmental journey.
Our History
Founded as Solana Recyclers in 1983, we are proud to have pioneered the first comprehensive curbside recycling program in San Diego - and one of the first such programs in the State of California. Together with our partners, we work creatively to promote the sustainable management of our natural resources and connect the community to real solutions. The San Diego region is constantly changing, and we change with it.
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Founded as Solana Recyclers by a group of local residents committed to educating the community about the importance of recycling in order to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
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Solana Recyclers named "Best Curbside Recycling Program in California" by the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) at that time serving 22,000+ households.
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Solana Recyclers' household recycling program was acquired by local waste hauler company resulting in a shift to direct community education prioritizing soil, water, and waste diversion.
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First Master Composter Course held at San Marcos landfill.
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Organization's name shifts from Solana Recyclers to Solana Center for Environmental Innovation to reflect the focus on education and action within public and private partnerships required to address the environmental challenges in our region.
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Awarded the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) California's highest environmental honor for demonstrating closed-loop community compost system between local restaurant and farm.
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Solana Center begins working on a pilot program to connect grocery store food waste to farmers to create a local closed loop food system.
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SB 1383 enforcement goes into effect across California, with Solana Center providing San Diego's jurisdictions and businesses expert assistance in legislative compliance.
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Proud recipient of the US Compost Council Organics Diversion Program of the Year Award.
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Curious what we've been up to recently? Check out our press page and our awards page.