Honestly, it depends on the bench. Many modern park benches are made from recycled materials—especially recycled plastic lumber or recycled HDPE mixed with metal frames. But a lot of older or budget-friendly benches are still just standard wood and metal.
If you're trying to tell the difference, look closely. Recycled plastic benches usually have a slightly uniform texture, no real wood grain, and no splinters. They often feel dense and smooth, and some have a small stamp or plaque saying "made from recycled materials." Standard wood and metal benches, on the other hand, show natural grain, knots, and weathering. The metal parts are usually painted steel, cast iron, or sometimes aluminum.
The reason many towns and parks now choose recycled park benches is maintenance. Recycled plastic won't rot, splinter, or get eaten by insects, and it doesn't need sealing or repainting. Standard wood and metal benches can look classic and may cost less upfront, but they usually need more care, especially in wet or humid climates.
So if the bench looks too uniform to be real timber and feels like dense plastic, it's probably recycled. If you see natural wood grain and standard metal legs, it's likely the traditional kind. When in doubt, check with the park department or manufacturer—most are happy to mention when they use sustainable park furniture or eco-friendly outdoor seating, because it's a real selling point.