When and Where?
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We will be collecting bottle caps all winter! We will take donations from November-March annually. If you have some to donate, you can drop them off at our main garden (3701 Prast Blvd, South Bend). Swing by anytime within our operating hours! If you are unable to visit during operating hours, feel free to leave bottle caps at our sharing shelf!
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?
DONATE!Donate plastic bottle caps to us instead of recycling!
(List of acceptable plastics below) |
VOLUNTEER!Volunteer by yourself or with a group! Our donated bottle caps must be sorted and cleaned before they can be turned into benches.
(More information on volunteering below) |
SPONSOR!Although materials are provided, benches and picnic tables still cost some money! To sponsor a bench would cost $300, and to sponsor a picnic table would cost $700.
If you are able and willing, contact Selina at [email protected] |
Acceptable Plastics
- Anything with the recycle numbers 2,4,or 5
- pill bottles clear of personal information/ residue of contents
- milk and creamer caps
- detergent caps
- hairspray caps
- toothpaste caps
- deodorant caps
- applesauce pouch caps
- sports drink, soda, water, and juice caps
- condiment caps
- spray paint caps
- ointment tube caps
- baby food caps
- shampoo/conditioner caps
- cottage cheese and yogurt lids
- mayonnaise jar lids
- peanut butter lids
- ice cream bucket lids (under 8" in diameter)
- cool whip lids
- pringles lids
- coffee can lids
- butter lids
- cream cheese lids
- spice lids
Unacceptable items
We CANNOT accept:
- Caps or lids with the recycle number 1,3,6, or 7
- any metals
- drink bottles
- prescription bottles with personal information attached
- Ziplock-type bags
- trigger sprayers
- fast food drink lids
- plastic pieces (whole caps/lids/bottles only)
- any type of medical supply, human or animal (such as needle caps)
- food containers
- liquid pumps of any kind
- grocery bags
- k-cups
- plastic toys
Requirements for donated plastics
All plastics must be clean and free of any cardboard or linings (as found in detergent caps). Any residue of what was once inside plastic bottles or lids must be washed away. Plastics must then have the opportunity to dry completely to avoid mold. IF YOU DONATE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION BOTTLES, make sure to remove all personal information and clean all residue thoroughly from plastic before donating!
Below is a document available for download outlining acceptable and unacceptable plastics.
| 2._pictures_of_acceptable_caps_lids.pdf |
Volunteering
Group of 5+
If you have a group consisting of 5 or more motivated individuals, schedule a day and time to volunteer with us! Send an email to Randy at [email protected] with questions or to set up your volunteer time. We appreciate the help!
individuals or groups up to 4
If you would like to volunteer on your own or with a small group up to 4 people, no need to schedule a time with us! Just swing by during our operating hours and let us know you're here to help! We appreciate every bit of help we can get!
Winter volunteer work
During the winter months there is not always work to be done in the garden, but we could still use your help! While we are collecting bottle caps, we need help sorting and cleaning what has already been donated. Let us know if you'd like to help!
Finished Products
This is an example of the picnic tables we could buy with the donated bottle caps. This one is currently at our main garden in our accessibility garden! The overhanging end allows for those with mobility issues to enjoy the benefits of having a table in the garden as well! Below is an example of a bench we could purchase when we turn our bottle caps in.
