INNOVATION

Innovation is in our name, and when it comes to tackling environmental issues, we prove the concepts that create change.

Two people are working inside a large blue planter box, shoveling soil or compost, likely building a garden bed.

When there was nowhere locally to manage residential food waste, Solana Center created a composting pilot program that would prove the potential of community based initiatives and help shape legislation such as SB1383.

Food Cycle

Recycling station with three bins labeled for landfill, recycle, and compost, each with distinct colors and symbols.

When a local business wanted to find solutions to the waste created by employees during lunch & breaks, Solana Center created a research program to find the answers they needed. 

Research for Change

A sprawling field of young green crops planted in neat, parallel rows under a partly cloudy sky.

Looking to close the loop between farmers and retailers, Solana Center is piloting a program to connect food waste from grocery stores with local farmers to compost and land apply. 

Food Cycle on Farmlands

Group of diverse people planting or working with soil in a raised garden bed outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and blue sky in the background.

Mid-Scale Composting Training Center

Seeing the needs of entities between backyard composting and large scale, Solana Center seeks to create a compost training center specifically for these mid-scale organizations.

A recycling truck with a large container on top, labeled for curbside recycling, with a man standing nearby in an orange shirt and sunglasses in a parking lot.

Curbside Recycling

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. 

Support research and innovation at Solana Center, consider a donation, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunity.