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 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.
MINI CALENDAR 2025-2026
(May be subject to change as more local needs are identified)
July: Bike Parts & Accessories – no bikes or tires though
https://bikeworks.org/donate/used-bicycle/ - Around since 1996 and based in Seattle, Bike Works believes that the bicycle is a revolutionary vehicle that can change people's lives for the better. Through a fantastic menu of youth and adult programs, Bike Works teaches others how to repair and rebuild bikes, runs youth camps and riding clubs, builds community through shared productivity – and diverts about 250,000 pounds of bike materials from the waste stream annually by processing 6,000-8,000 bikes each year! They even have community bike giveaways.
Details for JULY 2025 FLASHDRIVE
When: MONDAY July 28 @ 11:00 (*)
* Please note that this particular Flashdrive is on a Monday (we usually pick-up on weekends)
What: Bike Parts and Accessories
Bikes? Unfortunately, no. While Bike Works accepts bikes, BI Flashdrive does not simply because we do not have an efficient way of hauling bikes to Seattle.
Bike tires? No again. Bike Works accepts tires too but requires a $1 donation per tire (they have to pay to recycle tires in Oregon). Since BI Flashdrive focuses on FREE ways to recycle, we skip tires.
Ok so what can I recycle with you? In good, working condition….
- Bike components
- Reflectors
- Bells
- Lights
- Locks
- Water bottle holders
- Bike baskets & racks
- Bike tools
- Helmets (again, in good working condition)
- Pumps
- Seat covers
- …and pretty much anything that can be used to repair a bike or trick it out
What do I need to do:
Go ahead. Be brave and tackle your garage. Collect all of those bike parts and gear that are laying around and pass them along to Bike Works. You’ll feel better!
If you want to drop off bike parts, accessories, or bikes yourself, go to the Bike Works website and pick a drop-off location that works for you. You can find a location here: https://bikeworks.org/donate/used-bicycle/
Or you can wait for us. You know the drill. Look for the email announcing the July Flashdrive Date & Time. If you're not on the Flashdrive email list, sign up at flashdrive@gmail.com. Shoot us an email back requesting a pick-up and your pick-up location. And have your items ready to go by the Flashdrive pick-up date and time.
As always, thanks for joining us in this effort!
Kathy, Roan and Bo
ps...The first two weeks of July are busy ones for us. If we do not get back to you right away, please accept our apologies!
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August: Infant & Children’s Items (e.g., clothes, supplies, & yes - stuffies, etc)
West Side Baby
https://westsidebaby.org/donate-items/
September: Camping Equipment (e.g., tents, sleeping bags, camp cookware, etc)
Northwest Hospitality
https://www.nwhospitality.org/
October: Shoes – decent condition
Soles-4-Souls
https://www.zappos.com/c/soles-4-souls)
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
April: Vegetables, Blankets & Sheets
One Heart Wild
May: STEM Supplies (e.g., craft supplies, circuit boards, balls, etc.)
BISD Stem & Maker Space Programs
June: Men’s Clothing
Suits for Service Members