WASTE TO WONDER PROGRAM

Waste to Wonder was Upcycled’s flagship project and the foundation of the organization’s work, focused on transforming post-consumer plastic into durable, functional products for shared community spaces. Plastic collected from schools, libraries, and community partners was processed locally and manufactured into benches, picnic tables, garden beds, and other long-lasting structures.

Over the course of its operations, Upcycled processed and upcycled a total of 10,675 pounds of post-consumer plastic. More than 7,500 pounds — representing over 70 percent of total production — were donated back to the community, resulting in the installation of over 85 finished structures at schools, parks, libraries, and community centers. The remaining material was sold to help support project operations and offset production costs.

The Waste to Wonder project emphasized transparency and participation by inviting community members to observe the recycling and fabrication process firsthand. Today, the impact of this work lives on through the structures installed throughout public spaces, serving as visible, lasting examples of how local action and collective effort can turn plastic waste into meaningful community assets.