In the spring of 2024, Kathy McGowan and her two teenaged sons, Roan and Bo, 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.
Roan 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 Flashdrive collections, 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. The collection is once a month for a couple of hours max. The pick-up day varies from month to month. Once we get a sense of where the needs are, we will reach out. (We have been very fortunate and usually get more volunteer drivers than we need.) Thanks for considering!
OCTOBER 2026
WHAT: In good working condition…
- T-posts (preferably 7 ft)
- 4-5 gallon water buckets (without holes, not the kind that are used as planters)
- Wheelbarrows
- Gardening Carts
- Tarps (intact, no holes and in working condition, please)
- Hoses (preferably 50 ft and in good shape)
WHO: Peaceful Morning Farm
Do you know about this absolute gem on Bainbridge Island?
Founded in 2005 by farm director John Chang and run with just volunteers, Peaceful Morning Farm began as a local CSA and soon shifted gears to become a nonprofit that supplies fresh, organic produce to food insecure households in our community. Multiple times per week, the farm delivers all sorts of fruits and vegetables to Helpline House as one of its main supplies of fresh produce.
The farm also teaches volunteers farming techniques and by doing so creates another beautiful space where people can come together to learn and to experience the beauty of real time human connections and community.
This means that by participating in our October 2026 Flashdrive, you are not only keeping unwanted household items out of landfills, but also supporting Peaceful Morning Farm, its farm education program, and the many community members Helpline House serves.
A bonus? The farm raises the most beautiful flowers to sell as a fundraiser for its mission!
Last but not least? Check out Peaceful Morning Farm’s website and take time to watch the video of John telling you all about this Bainbridge oasis. His vision is so inspiring and makes you feel good about being human and living here. You won’t be sorry you watched it:
WHEN: SATURDAY OCTOBER 17…pick-up rounds begin at 8:00 AM
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO:
Have items to donate? Email us at biflashdrive@gmail.com. Include your pick-up location (we ask every time to stay current). Have your items ready by SATURDAY, October 17 @ 8:00 am.
CAN YOU VOLUNTEER DRIVE?
Please email us!
COMING UP IN NOVEMBER: GOOD PLAY AMERICA https://www.goodplayamerica.org/
Soccer Balls, Soccer Cleats, Tennis Racquets, Cell Phones, & I-Pads