WHAT WE DO

At Once Was Lost, we empower communities with scalable recycling solutions that turn plastic waste into local opportunity.

Once Was Lost deploys modular micro-recycling systems tailored to the needs of underserved and coastal regions—meeting communities where they are, equipping them to manage their plastic waste on-site. We provide training, education, and support to ensure these systems are community-led and self-sustaining.

From village-scale workshops to island-based recovery centers, we help establish circular economies that create jobs, restore environments, and keep plastic out of landfills and waterways.

  • 68,000+

    POUNDS OF TRASH RESCUED

  • 451

    MILES OF SHORELINE CLEANED

  • COUNTLESS

    COMMUNITIES EMPOWERED

HOW IT'S DONE

Rescue

We remove plastic waste through cleanups, shoreline intercepts, and local partnerships—stopping pollution at its source. Every recovery effort fuels recycling and restoration where it's needed most.

Rework

Using modular equipment, we help communities process recovered plastic into raw materials—like flakes or pellets—ready for reuse. This localized approach turns waste into a resource, right where it’s collected.

Relove

Recovered plastics are repurposed into useful products—like bricks, benches, or beams—by local teams or in partnership with our sister company. Each product supports circular economies and tells a story of transformation.

Empower

We train and equip communities to run their own recycling operations—building skills, creating jobs, and fostering long-term ownership of sustainable systems.

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FROM PILOT TO SCALABLE MODEL

Our pilot micro-recycling facility in St. Augustine, FL—operated by our technical partner Plastic Pirates—is actively recycling ocean/ocean-bound and post-consumer plastics.

This site processes a variety of plastic types, demonstrating what’s possible when localized recycling meets community engagement. It serves as a working model for the systems we now deploy globally through Once Was Lost.

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KEY PARTNERSHIPS

We collaborate with mission-aligned organizations, technical experts, and community leaders to expand our impact. These partners support cleanups, recycling infrastructure, education, and local empowerment—helping us build sustainable solutions around the world.