What to know
- We teach the science of Water Reclamation - turning wastewater into clean water for the city.
- We show the impact of waste - how our purchases and trash affect landfills and oceans.
- Our program helps the city meet "Zero Waste" goals and protect local watersheds.
- We host thousands of students each year to inspire future careers in science and engineering.
- ELC tours and parking are free for all LA City residents. You can even add on a tour of Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant.
Why We Built the ELC
The City of Los Angeles (LA City) built the Environmental Learning Center because we believe that protecting our environment starts with understanding it. We wanted a place where students and neighbors could go behind the scenes of our city’s hardest-working infrastructure. By opening our doors at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (HWRP), we provide a transparent look at how we manage the resources that keep the City of Los Angeles healthy - our water and our land.
A Tale of Two Resources: Water and Waste
Our program is built on two pillars that support every home in Los Angeles:
Clean Water: We show the "Reason" (advanced engineering and biology) behind the "Result" (a clean Santa Monica Bay). You’ll learn how we reclaim wastewater to protect our coastline.
Zero Waste: We tackle the challenge of trash head-on. Through our exhibits, we explain the science of recycling and how state laws like Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) help us turn food scraps into energy instead of landfill waste.
Experience Education Through Tours
The heart of this program is the hands-on tour that brings textbook learning to life. We don't just tell you how it works; we show you. Our guided tours lead you through 20,000 square feet of exhibits and into our high-tech classrooms. It is the best way for residents, students, and community leaders to see the scale of our environmental mission in person.
Related facilities
Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant