
A Cause to Collaborate
“You don't have to be an adult to make a difference. You can be a kid too!” - Sammie Vance
Bring a Buddy Bench to Your Playground
Here's how:

Step 1
Fill out the form below to sign up for POLYWOOD's Recycling Program.
Step 2
Collect 1,000 pieces of #2 HDPE plastic, like milk jugs and shampoo bottles (look for the "2" recycling symbol).
Step 3
Drop off the plastic at your local recycling center and send us a photo.
Step 4
We’ll send you a FREE 60” Buddy Bench in Slate Grey!

- A copy of Sammie Vance's book, Inspire the World: A Kid's Journey to Making a Difference
- POLYWOOD x Sammie's Buddy Bench stickers
- School Recycling Program classroom poster
Get Started
Sign up to join our recycling program and score your free Buddy Bench.
A Special Thank You From Sammie
Meet Our Partners

Niagara Cares is the philanthropic branch of Niagara Bottling, the largest family-owned bottled water company in the USA. For over 60 years, Niagara Cares has been committed to creating meaningful change in our communities through a spirit of giving back both big and small.

Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project was founded by Sammie Vance of Indiana in 2017 when she was just eight years old. The initiative continues to thrive, with hundreds of Sammie’s Buddy Benches now filling playgrounds and public spaces across the USA.

An environmental nonprofit operating on a global scale, EarthX is dedicated to educating and inspiring people and organizations to take action toward a more sustainable future worldwide. Since 2010, they’ve helped people connect and explore impactful solutions and innovations that benefit future generations.

"I am really excited about this partnership because we are coming together to encourage recycling and kindness. I can’t wait to see more Buddy Benches all around the country as a result!"
Get Involved in a Great Cause
Join our growing group of schools and community groups who've earned a Buddy Bench!















*A limited number of free Buddy Benches are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The free 60” Buddy Bench is available in our best-selling Slate Grey.
Drop off the 1,000 pieces of #2 HDPE plastic that you’ve collected to your local recycling center.
We’ll build and ship your Buddy Bench directly from POLYWOOD. You will need to assemble the Buddy Bench (assembly instructions are included).
Once you’ve sent photos and/or videos to recyclingprogram@polywood.com, your order will ship in 7-10 business days. You will receive tracking once your Buddy Bench has shipped.
We always encourage recycling, but to be eligible to receive a free Buddy Bench, please recycle #2 HDPE plastic, the same plastic used to build your bench.
We don’t provide bins, but other groups have used their own bins or trash bags.