Learn•Lead•Recycle

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.

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.

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.

Our recycling program is built to meet the community where they are. Through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community spaces, ELF provides designated recycling bags that can be placed on-site for collecting bottles and cans. Once bags are filled, partners may either drop them off at our location or coordinate a pick-up with our team. This flexible approach allows participants to support environmental sustainability while contributing to programs that directly serve our community. If you’re interested in becoming a recycling partner or learning more about hosting a collection point, we’d love to connect and explore what’s possible together.