Plastic Beach

Plastic Beach is an award-winning San Diego–based nonprofit addressing flex film and bagging plastic recycling since 2019. We are demonstrating that flexible plastics can be diverted from landfills and repurposed into new, U.S.-made products like ‘TREX’ patio deck materials. Plastic packaging is a persistent part of modern life, yet responsible recycling options—especially for soft or flexible plastic, remain practically non-existent, even at scale for commercial companies looking to address this material in their supply chains. Plastic Beach's mission is to transform American waste into American worth by repurposing presently ignored yet recyclable soft plastic packaging into sustainable materials. We achieve this by partnering with US businesses and individuals to create scalable, business-oriented solutions that promote responsible waste diversion and inspire a cleaner, more conscious future. By connecting local collection efforts with domestic manufacturers, our program not only reduces local landfill and associated local/regional environmental harm but also supports job creation and builds a circular economy rooted in our own community. For our California residents, this challenge is set to imperil soft plastic recycling itself as until now residents have been reliant on a diminishing number of grocery stores chains with store drop-off programs. However, with the enactment of California’s statewide ban on plastic grocery bags that takes effect on January 1, 2026, plastic bag recycling collection bins will likely disappear from stores, thus removing the public’s most widely known option for soft plastic recycling. Plastic Beach programs provide long-term, scalable solution for soft plastic waste—a solution that will continue to deliver environmental, economic, and educational benefits to the San Diego region for years to come.