ABC – A Bench for Caps Program

In 2019 Tellico Village Kiwanis member Kevin Meyer asked the club to support a new project involving young school children. The purpose was to encourage the students to become stewards of the earth through creative recycling.

Partnering with Green Tree Plastics’ ABC Promise Partnership, Kevin introduced an engaging recycling program at Highland Park Elementary School, Lenoir City. The project encouraged students to collect and sort plastic non-recyclable caps. When 200 lbs. were reached, Kevin delivered the plastic to the Green Tree Plastics Company, Evansville, Indiana. The company transformed the non-recyclable material into a Buddy Bench. A symbol of friendship and inclusivity for their schoolyard.

With the program’s success at Highland Park Elementary, Kevin began introducing it to other elementary schools. The results were astounding. By December of 2021, 29 schools in Loudon, Monroe, Rome, Anderson, Knox, and Blount counties had joined the program. Each school proudly owns a Buddy Bench, showcasing the power of community collaboration and environmental consciousness in creating lasting change.

Kevin continued to expand the Buddy Bench Program throughout the surrounding areas. In 2020, Green Tree Plastics’ expansion decision allowed individuals and organizations to participate, further propelling the initiative. Kevin’s proactive outreach to organizations, churches, and civic groups has led to fruitful partnerships and sponsorships, amplifying the program’s reach. We have partnered with other Kiwanis Clubs and remain active in introducing the program to additional clubs.

A Bench for Caps Program is environmentally conscious, repurposing non-recyclable plastic lids and bottle caps into benches and tables. Since its inception, the Tellico Village Kiwanis Club’s A Bench for Caps Program has produced 103 benches, 4 Ozark Hex Tables, and 2 regular picnic tables from 23,200 pounds of non-recyclable plastic, showcasing an innovative approach to community building and environmental stewardship.

To date that equates to over an incredible 2 million non-recyclable pieces of plastic caps and lips collected, equaling over 12 tons out of landfills. 

You can donate caps and lids by dropping them off at the Community Church at Tellico Village, 130 Chota Ctr. Loudon, TN. There is a Wishing Well located under the long staircase in the church lobby. Monetary donations can be sent to: Kiwanis Club of Tellico Village, PO Box 592, Loudon, TN 37774. Please note Bench Program in memo line on your check.

Click on the photo below to download a copy of acceptable caps and lids.

Our many 2025 bench presentations in pictures :