WHAT WE DO

As you know, plastic pollution is a real problem—but plastic itself isn't the issue. Unsustainable practices and poor stewardship are to blame. Join us in our grand mission to clean up the world! At Once Was Lost, we believe in rethinking waste through innovation and design—turning lost plastics into something truly valuable.We rescue and rework lost treasures into beautiful, sustainable products while empowering other communities to tackle plastic pollution on a local level. We help build and support micro and small-scale recycling facilities by providing state-of-the-art machinery, hands-on training, and business support that create jobs and foster community growth. By using cutting-edge recycling technology and sustainable product design waste is continuously reimagined into new opportunities for people and the planet. Every product you purchase supports awareness, research, and clean-ups on beaches, roadways, ditches, and hollers wherever we can.

  • 56,800+

    POUNDS OF TRASH RESCUED

  • 375

    MILES OF SHORELINE CLEANED

  • COUNTLESS

    COMMUNITIES EMPOWERED

HOW IT'S DONE

Rescue

We diligently recover discarded plastics from overlooked sources, intercepting waste before it can harm the environment. By identifying and collecting these valuable materials, we preserve their latent potential and set the stage for their transformation into sustainable products that contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Rework

We transform cleaned plastic fragments into high-quality, reusable materials through precision processing and advanced recycling techniques. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment we achieve efficiencies of up to 70%, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to virgin plastic production. This phase ensures that plastics are not just recovered but reinvented into valuable raw materials, strengthening the foundation of a truly circular economy.

Relove

With sustainability at the core, we design and craft innovative products that give new purpose to recycled plastics. Using modern manufacturing techniques, material science, and sustainable design principles, we create durable, high-value goods that extend the lifecycle of plastic and prevent waste from re-entering the environment. Every product tells a story of transformation—turning what was once lost into something loved again.

Empower

Empowering communities is at the heart of our mission. We provide cutting-edge equipment, expert training, and ongoing business support to launch local recycling facilities. This collaborative approach creates jobs, fuels circular economies, and transforms waste into opportunity.

Learn More.

NOW ACCEPTING:

We are accepting these symbols locally in the St. Augustine area. Plastics must be clean and de-labeled. Please contact for pickup/drop-off info via email or DM on Instagram (links below). 

We are proud to partner with organizations like Ocean Aid 360 and Precious Plastic to combat plastic pollution, reduce the demand for virgin plastics, and close the materials loop by promoting circularity. Through collaboration with passionate changemakers, we turn waste into valuable resources, ensuring a cleaner future for our oceans and communities.

  • FUNSICLE

  • VANILLA BEAN

  • CITRUS SPLASH

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