This data is live from Alchemy

Our proprietary blockchain-secured platform

Data last verified: Friday, 12/01/2023

1Ocean-bound plastic

Plastic Bank operates under the global standard defined by Jenna Jambeck. Ocean-bound plastic is defined as plastic that has not yet found its way into the ocean but is classified as "mismanaged waste". That is, plastic that is not being (formally) collected, is not likely to be collected, and is found within 50km of an ocean-bound waterway or coastal area.

2Community Members

Individuals within a recycling community who collect plastic and exchange it at a Plastic Bank collection branch for secure income and life-improving benefits.

3Equivalent Bottles Stopped

The amount of ocean-bound plastic collected and recycled in our recycling communities converted into bottles. Conversion rate is 50 bottles per kg (the average weight of a 500mL bottle is ~20g)

4Recycling Communities

Community of plastic collectors living within 50 kilometres of ocean-bound waterways involved in plastic collection and its exchange at Plastic Bank collection points.

Alchemy™

Alchemy is the blockchain platform that powers the Plastic Bank app. It enables fully traceable recycling processes, secures income for recycling community members and tailors impact reports for our stewards.

We are celebrating our 7th anniversary

Written by Rob Stocks on 29 May 2020

Minutes to read: Less than 1 minute

On May 9, 2013, our Founders David Katz and Shaun Frankson, recognized that rather than seeing plastic as waste, we need a way to reveal its inherent value. They then created Plastic Bank to stop ocean plastic and help alleviate poverty by providing an opportunity for the world to collect and exchange plastic as a currency.

Over the last 7 years, we have:

  • stopped over 11 million kilograms of ocean-bound plastic – the equivalent of 550 million plastic bottles
  • activated over 300 branches across Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa
  • offered additional income and life-improving benefits to over 19,000 collection community members

Thanks to our partners, collection members, branch owners, processors, and employees for being part of our movement. Together, we are empowering a regenerative society.

Help celebrate by taking action to stop ocean plastic with us today! Visit plasticbank.com/individuals now.