Circular economy for zero-waste communities
Plastic collection, waste-to-value enterprises, and community recycling systems.
Programme overview
RECYCLE builds circular-economy systems that turn waste into value and keep plastic out of Sri Lanka's soil, rivers and sea.
The programme sets up collection points, supports waste-to-value enterprises and runs zero-waste education so that recycling becomes a community habit rather than a one-off campaign.
What we do
- Household and school plastic waste collection drives
- Community recycling hubs and sorting points
- Waste-to-value micro-enterprise incubation
- Zero-waste education in schools and workplaces
- Advocacy for single-use plastic reduction
Who we serve
Urban and coastal communities, waste collectors and their families, schools, and small businesses shifting to circular practices.
Related projects
- Empowering communities through accountable governance and environmental rights: A comprehensive waste management initiative
Community-led waste management systems linked with accountable local governance and environmental rights advocacy.
- Plastic Zero Initiative - Empowering institutions and communities for sustainable change
Institutional and community plastic reduction systems, collection infrastructure and behaviour-change campaigns.
RECYCLE programme FAQs
What is the RECYCLE programme?
RECYCLE (Circular economy for zero-waste communities) is one of nine flagship programmes run by Save a Life, a youth-led nonprofit founded in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 2014. Plastic collection, waste-to-value enterprises, and community recycling systems.
What activities does RECYCLE carry out?
RECYCLE focuses on plastic waste collection, waste-to-value enterprises, community recycling hubs and zero-waste advocacy. In practice this means: household and school plastic waste collection drives; community recycling hubs and sorting points; waste-to-value micro-enterprise incubation; zero-waste education in schools and workplaces; advocacy for single-use plastic reduction.
Who does RECYCLE support?
Urban and coastal communities, waste collectors and their families, schools, and small businesses shifting to circular practices.
What impact does RECYCLE have?
220,000+ kg plastic recycled, 18 recycling hubs operating, 70+ schools in zero-waste network.
Where does RECYCLE work?
Save a Life is headquartered at No. 460, Navalar Road, Jaffna, and delivers RECYCLE with communities across Sri Lanka. Our youth volunteers work alongside community leaders, schools, universities and local partners so that every activity responds to real local needs.
How can I support RECYCLE?
You can donate through our GlobalGiving page, sponsor a child, join more than 1,500 active Save a Life volunteers, or partner with us as a development, CSR or programme partner. Every contribution helps RECYCLE reach more communities across Sri Lanka.