SMALL BOTTLE, BIG IMPACT

Learn • Lead • Recycle is ELF’s donation-based recycling program designed to make environmental stewardship simple, accessible, and meaningful. Through this initiative, community members can donate glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans to directly support ELF’s programs and services.

By combining sustainability with social impact, this program transforms everyday recycling into an opportunity to invest in education, leadership, and community empowerment. Whether you drop off recyclables, use our reverse vending machines, coordinate pick ups, or participate in community events, every contribution helps strengthen local initiatives while caring for our environment.

Your donations will empower college students through fellowships and scholarships, immigrant families through immigration services, community members in their entrepreneurial goals, students through tutor programs for schools here in Fresno and more!

Explore how the program works, where to recycle, and how your donations create lasting impact.

How can I get involved?

Use our RVM's

We have reverse vending machines (RVM's) at our locations. You can simply place your items in the machine and with that you've made a contribution to our efforts. They take glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans. Important notice Using RVM's requires items be uncrushed, clean, and empty. If they are not, do not worry, we have alternatives. Check them out!

Drop Off Your Bags

You may drop off your bags at one of our locations. Simple and easy.

Main office location:
1308 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728.

Ashlan Office Location:
4290 E Ashlan, Fresno, CA 93726.

Coordinate Pick Up

Coordinate with our team via a phone call at (559) 388-4915 or through our Recycling Donation Form here online. We can coordinate a pick up date for our bags / bins or any recycling containers you may have. Communicate your needs with us and we will be happy and ready to accommodate to your needs. Thank you for recycling with us.

Recycling Partnerships for Local Businesses

If you’re a business owner looking for a better way to handle your recyclables, we’re here to help! We provide large-scale collection bins specifically for organizations that need more than just a standard pickup.

Here is how it works: we drop off a high-capacity bin at your location, and you fill it up. Once it’s full, just give us a shout—we’ll come by to swap it for a fresh one. It’s a simple, hassle-free way to ensure your business stays eco-friendly while you focus on what you do best all while supporting your community.

Learn • Lead• Recycle In Motion

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Learn•Lead•Recycle Day

On December 6, 2025, the City of Fresno officially proclaimed “Learn • Lead • Recycle Day,” recognizing the Education and Leadership Foundation’s commitment to environmental responsibility, community education, and sustainable action. Presented by Councilmember Miguel A. Arias and signed by city leadership, this proclamation marks a milestone for ELF and for nonprofit-led recycling efforts in the Central Valley. The proclamation honors the launch of ELF’s first-ever recycling initiative and acknowledges the power of community collaboration in reducing waste, conserving resources, and building a cleaner, healthier future. Through education, leadership, and service, Learn • Lead • Recycle reflects ELF’s belief that small, intentional actions—when taken together—can create lasting impact for both people and the planet. This recognition affirms our shared responsibility to care for our environment and invites our community to join us in creating a more sustainable Fresno.

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Recycling Program Launch

The grand opening of Learn • Lead • Recycle was a powerful celebration of community, sustainability, and shared responsibility. Joined by local leaders, partners, and community members, ELF officially launched its recycling program with a day centered on education, connection, and giving back. Throughout the event, families and residents engaged with ELF staff to learn more about essential resources, including immigration services, lending circles that help build credit and financial stability, and educational opportunities available to the community. The day also featured a classic car show, free food, cotton candy and popcorn, a toy giveaway for children, and hands-on activities that made the event welcoming for all ages. More than a launch, the grand opening reflected ELF’s commitment to meeting community needs while creating accessible ways for individuals to support both environmental sustainability and local programs. It was a day filled with joy, learning, and collective action—setting the foundation for a cleaner, stronger, and more connected community.

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More About Our RVM's

ELF has installed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) to make recycling easy, accessible, and impactful for our community. These machines accept eligible glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans and allow donors to recycle items one by one while directly supporting ELF’s programs. To ensure the machines function properly, items placed into the RVMs must not be crushed. If your recyclables are crushed or not accepted by the machine, no worries at all — our team is happy to receive them separately and make sure they are properly recycled. Every item donated, whether through the machine or directly to our staff, helps advance our mission and strengthens our community.

Ready to help your community?

Our team is eager to receive your donation. Fill the form and our team will call you to set up a convenient time for us to stop by and pick up your glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans. Call Augustine Clark, our recycling manager for more information at 559 288 4411

Turning Recycling Into Community Support