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.
Check out their Instagram account to see what has been collected in past months.
CAN YOU BE A VOLUNTEER DRIVER?:
If you are available to help pick-up items for our January Flashdrive on January 19, please let us know. We do our best to assign folks a limited number of convenient pick-up locations near their homes and to make the process as efficient and as easy as possible for them. Once we get a sense of pick-up needs, we will reach out (we have been very fortunate and usually get more volunteer drivers than we need). Thanks for considering!
MINI CALENDAR 2025-2026
(May be subject to change as more local needs are identified)
January: Unwanted Winter Holiday Decorations
WHO: Compass Housing Alliance, Seattle
PICK-UP DATE: Monday, January 19, 2026…rounds begin at 8:00 AM
WHAT:
- Ornaments
- Working holiday lights (recycle broken light strings at BI Ace Hardware by January 19)
- Holiday linens
- Indoor decorations (e.g., table top items, garlands, stockings, etc)
- Wreaths
- Artificial trees, disassembled and boxed (sign up for real tree recycling with the BI Scouts by January 10)
No wrapping paper, bows or cards – just decor
Did you have trouble squeezing all of your ornaments onto your tree this year? Are you ready to say “So long!” to your tabletop Santa or menorah? Compass Housing Alliance would love to share those items with their community. Help make somebody else’s home come alive during the 2026 winter holidays.
February: Dog supplies (e.g. leashes, collars, toys, beds, etc.)
Prison Pet Partnership, https://www.prisonpetpartnership.org/in-kind-donations
Small Kitchen Items (e.g., small appliances, basic cook/eating ware, etc.)
Georgia House in Bremerton, https://www.gmweaverfoundation.org/get-involved/
March: Small Kitchen Items (e.g., small appliances, basic cook/eating ware, etc.)
Georgia House in Bremerton, https://www.gmweaverfoundation.org/get-involved/
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