Tips for Recycling Bicycles
Start off your bicycle recycling by knowing the condition of your used bike. Is it usable? By evaluating its condition, you can have a better idea of how to recycle it.
What’s the Status
If your bike is usable (or in need of minor repairs), a bicycle donation program in your area is a good fit for recycling it. There, they can allocate your bike to a number of worthy causes and people.
If your bike is not repairable, its parts are still in need at bicycle donation centers. Valuable for repairs, these parts can be expensive to purchase new, especially for non-profit organizations.
Bicycles are generally made of easily recycled materials, such as metal alloy frames and rubber wheels. If it is damaged beyond repair, reuse or for parts, then recycling its individual pieces still does a greater amount of good then sending it to a landfill. You can use Earth911’s recycling locator to find recycling for these parts or donation drop-offs for your used bike.
Give it Away
Charitable thrift stores are also great places to donate bicycles. This provides an opportunity for someone to reuse your bicycle and have the pride of purchasing it at a reduced price.
If in good condition, bicycle equipment is also a must when it comes to donations and recycling. Some of the accessories needed to properly and safely use and repair a bicycle include:
- Helmets
- Tools
- Parts
- Shoes
- Reflectors
- Flaps
- Tires
- Pumps
- Locks
If you have experience working with or repairing bicycles, consider donating your time as well to a local organization to help get those in need back on their bikes.
Whatever the state of your bike, it will ultimately serve a greater purpose in the hands of those who need it, rather than hanging as forgotten décor in your garage. By donating your bike, accessories and even your time, you’re helping others (and the planet) ride forward to a better future.
