In the spring of 2024, Kathy McGowan and her two high school-aged sons launched a "little experiment," in her words, that "seeks to enhance the amazing recycling programs that already exist on Bainbridge Island and address three specific needs: cost, convenience, awareness."

Kathy is the former Sakai parent who spearheaded a months-long plastic film recycling drive that involved the entire community and resulted in Sakai Intermediate School placing first in its category in the national Trex Recycling Challenge.

She explains the BI Flashdrive program this way: "We recognize that not everybody can afford fee-based, at-home recycling pick-up programs, nor do they have the time to make recycling deliveries themselves.

"BI Flashdrive solves these problems by highlighting a different recycling program each month that is free and preferably local. The 'flash' will let you know what is being recycled and when the pick-up date is. On that day, put your items outside your front door, and BI Flashdrive will swing by and take them off your hands [for free]. Be sure to email biflashdrive@gmail.com beforehand and let us know that you have a pick-up."

Sign up here to be on the list for flash notifications of what items will be picked up and on which date.
Flashdrive podcast interview

MINI CALENDAR 2025-2026

(May be subject to change as more local needs are identified)

Check out their Instagram account to see what has been collected in past months.

September - Camping Gear

In just under two hours, we collected...

7 tents
13 sleep mats
3 camp chairs
2 sleeping bags
1 cot
1 camp stove
6 bins of miscellaneous camping gear
15 blankets
1 big bin of hand and feet warmers

... and delivered all items to the Northwest Hospitality folks and our homeless neighbors they serve.

October:          Shoes – Worn-out athletic shoes (ANY BRAND!)

But no…

  • Shoes with metal spikes (e.g. golfing shoes, cleats, etc)
  • Boots
  • Sandals
  • Dress shoes

Please: Knock off any excessive mud or dirt

Nike Grind - Nike Grind is a combination of manufacturing scrap, unused manufacturing materials and end-of-life footwear— including rubber, foam, fiber, leather and textiles. The shoes collected in this drive become part of Nike Grind and are used to make all sorts of things, from gloves to playground surfaces.

https://www.nikegrind.com/

November:       Animal Shelter Items (e.g., small animal cages, hand towels, etc.)

West Sound Wildlife

https://westsoundwildlife.org/about-us/

December:       Small Kitchen Items (e.g., small appliances, basic cook/eating ware, etc)

Georgia House

https://www.gmweaverfoundation.org/get-involved/

January:          Winter Holiday Decor

Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County

https://kitsaphabitat.org/store/

February:        Socks & Undergarments

Hanky Panky

https://www.hankypanky.com/pages/lingeriecycle-landing

March:            Pet Supplies (e.g., baby gates, pet toys, pet beds, 100ft garden hoses, etc.)

Prison Pet Partnership & Lengau

https://www.prisonpetpartnership.org/in-kind-donations

https://www.lengau.org/)

April:              Vegetables, Blankets & Sheets

                          One Heart Wild

https://www.oneheartwild.org/

May:                STEM Supplies (e.g., craft supplies, circuit boards, balls, etc.)

BISD Stem & Maker Space Programs

June:               Men’s Clothing

Suits for Service Members

https://www.gigharborchamber.net/suits-for-service-members