December 7, 2024
Kathy McGowan and her two high school-aged sons last spring 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 2024-2025
(Subject to change as more local needs are identified)
(Past) September: Denim
(Past) October: Kitchen items (ex: plates, bowls, spoons, etc) – Refugee Resettlement Office
(Past) November: Animal shelter Items (ex: small animal cages, hand towels, storage bins, sheets) – West Sound Wildlife
December: Shoes (but not falling apart) – Soles-4-Souls
Report: Collected around 200 pairs of shoes in 2 hours
January: Small electronics – Amazon Recycling ReTeck Program:
February: Oral care waste – Oral B Recycling
March: Soccer cleats – Good Play America
April: Books – Spread the Word Nevada
May: Women’s clothing – Madewell Forever
June: Dog leashes and collars – Lengau