Upcycled Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The primary exempt purpose of Upcycled is to expand community awareness regarding the plastic crisis, encourage recycling through the creation of lumber from recycled plastics, and reduce waste in landfills. The lumber is used to build structures such as garden beds, benches, and picnic tables that are donated to local parks, schools, and community spaces. Upcycled intends to collaborate with the county at the local landfill and/or work with local partners to install additional community collection bins to encourage community members to redirect appropriate waste to Upcycled so that we can transform it. This has the added benefits of redirecting plastic waste from landfills while starting a conversation with the community surrounding the plastic crisis and providing single-use plastic with a long-term purpose.
- Income
- $49,761
- Spending
- $94,284
- Reserves
- 5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 94%
- Highest pay
- $31,000, officer
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (environment, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 89% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $95,321 spent. In 2024, Upcycled achieved several key milestones in expanding its impact on sustainability, education, and community engagement. One of the most significant accomplishments was the completion of our recycling facility, which became fully operational after the installation of electricity. This milestone enhances our ability to process and upcycle plastic waste, further advancing our mission to transform discarded materials into valuable community resources. This year, we also successfully completed our internship program, hiring two high school seniors for part-time positions. This opportunity provided hands-on experience in sustainability and workforce development, equipping students with skills in recycling operations and environmental education. The program not only strengthened our engagement with local youth but also reinforced our commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental leaders. Upcycled made significant progress with its Waste to Wonder project, surpassing 8,000 pounds of plastic upcycled, with 3,800 pounds processed in 2024 alone. This initiative continues to drive large-scale waste reduction efforts and provides sustainable materials for community projects, schools, and nonprofit partners. Additionally, 2024 marked the launch of our new afterschool hands-on workshop program in partnership with local schools. Through this initiative, we conducted eight workshop sessions and participated in two community events, engaging students in interactive environmental education and creative upcycling projects. Due to its success, this program will be expanded and continued into 2025, allowing even more students to develop sustainability skills while making a tangible impact in their communities. These accomplishments reflect Upcycled's growth, innovation, and commitment to sustainability education. As we move into 2025, we remain focused on expanding our programs, deepening community partnerships, and furthering our mission to combat plastic waste through hands-on engagement and creative solutions.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 2020.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.