Plastic Pollution Prevention

Much of plastic waste is intended to be used once and then disposed of, often going to landfill or becoming litter. Solana Center for Environmental Innovation is changing this profile by working with government jurisdictions, businesses, schools, and residents.

Our services focus on four key areas: education and behavior change, reuse, refill, and recycling solutions. We provide technical consultations for businesses, waste audits, staff training, recycling infrastructure guidance, and administrative support for cities to help organizations and communities reduce waste, improve diversion, and achieve their sustainability goals.

Single Use and Disposable Plastic Waste Solutions

  • A person wearing sunglasses and an orange vest stands near a white recycling truck with yellow and green markings, labeled 'Curbside Recycling Program.' The truck has warning signs about danger and wide turns. The background features a clear blue sky, trees, and houses.

    Solana Recyclers

    1983: Implemented one of the first curbside recycling programs in Southern California and the nation!

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  • Three grocery bags with cartoon faces, containing various food items, against a black background.

    Beyond the Bag

    Breaking Up with Single-Use Bags in San Diego County

    We partnered with Closed Loop Partners to align behavior change with waste reduction goals ahead of SB 1053.

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  • Fresh vegetables and fruits including cherry tomatoes, garlic, a lemon, an orange, and asparagus, all in plastic bags on a white surface.

    Plastic Film Collection

    We host a drop-off site in Encinitas for Plastic Beach subscribers. They work to ensure all of the plastic bags and film are staying in the U.S. and being recycled nearby, keeping the loop traceable and closed.

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  • A glass jar, an empty wine glass, and a white ceramic coffee mug placed on a burlap tablecloth outdoors with a garden background of flowers and greenery.

    Single Use Alternatives

    Green Convene (reusable dishware rental program) is Solana Center’s solution to prevent disposable single-use waste created at social gatherings, with 725 place settings rented last year! We also host a Tool Lending Library and an Induction Cooktop Loan program.

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  • Hand reaching towards a white disposable cup with a straw in a spiral orange hose background.

    Chula Vista Pilot Program

    The City of Chula Vista contracted with Solana Center for Environmental Innovation to develop and implement a pilot program to help businesses phase out of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) products, also commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam™.

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  • Group of four young people standing together at an outdoor event, holding signs about ocean conservation, one person wearing a shirt with the words 'What's your story?' and another in a purple shirt with a logo. One person is wearing a suit made of recycled materials. They are under a yellow umbrella, with tents and palm trees visible in the background.

    Food Container Styrofoam Ban

    Solana Center responded to Encinitas community concerns about Styrofoam pollution appearing on local beaches by working with the business community and City Council to advocate for the adoption of a Styrofoam ban.

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Partnering to Prevent Plastic Pollution

Our partnership with the Rob Machado Foundation allows our Education Team to distribute reusable water bottles to students who attend Title 1* Schools where Solana Center has presented a free educational sustainability lesson.

*(generally defined as schools with 40% or more of the students eligible to receive free or reduced-priced lunch).

Logo of the Rob Machado Foundation featuring a blue water droplet above the foundation's name written in blue.
Group of kids outdoors holding white plastic bottles with blue labels, showing thumbs up.

Innovating for the future of the San Diego region

At Solana Center, we are navigating the changing currents of legislation and climate change to help you reach your environmental goals. Our programs are designed expressly to meet your specific requirements, operating environment, and budget. We can help you achieve quantifiable and impactful change. Let’s work together. Complete the form below to get in touch with our staff.

Waste Reduction Success Story: Organics Recycling

Led by our Environmental Solutions team, Solana Center offers services and guidance to both cities and businesses on ensuring SB 1383 compliance. Solana Center has extensive experience inspecting and providing technical assistance to hundreds of businesses and food rescue organizations.

Get in touch with our Environmental Solutions team [email protected] or call (760) 436-7986 ex. 724

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