Are there any grants or sustainability programs that apply to purchasing your benches or trashcans?

Hello there, friend of the outdoors and champion of public spaces. I’m the bench you might sit on after a long walk, or the trashcan that quietly keeps your park tidy. And today, I want to talk about something close to my recycled aluminum heart: money. Specifically, grants and sustainability programs that could help you, your town, or your organization bring me—and my sturdy siblings—into your world.

The short answer? Yes, absolutely. But like a well-designed bench, the details need a little careful assembly. Many municipalities, schools, and non-profits can tap into funding from sources like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or state-level recycling grants. Some programs, such as the USDA’s Rural Development grants, prioritize infrastructure that promotes waste reduction and green spaces. I’ve seen a small town win a “Sustainable Community” grant that covered the cost of a dozen of my trashcan cousins made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.

There’s also a growing trend of corporate sustainability partnerships. Companies like Keep America Beautiful or local waste management services often sponsor litter-prevention programs. If you’re a school district, look into the “Green Ribbon Schools” program, which rewards eco-friendly purchases—and yes, a bench made from reclaimed ocean plastics fits right in.

To apply, you’ll need a clear story: tell these funders how I’ll reduce waste, serve the community, and last for decades without rotting or rusting. Show them the lifecycle data (my steel frame has a 25-year warranty, by the way). And don’t forget to mention the “diverted waste” factor—every ton of recycled material in my body is one ton less in a landfill.

So, before you write that check, ask your local sustainability officer or parks department about these opportunities. I’ve been the centerpiece of many grant-funded projects, and I’d love to be yours too. After all, funding a cleaner, greener world starts with a single seat—or a single can. Now, go make it happen!