What to do with
Bicycles
Even bicycles in poor condition can be repaired, refurbished and re-used. However if your bicycle is beyond repair the main parts of your old bike can be recycled at your nearest recycling centre.
If you have a bicycle to dispose of, consider the following options:
Get selling and make some money...
- Try advertising in a local paper or noticeboard
- Sell online at places like eBay and Gumtree
- Sell it at a car boot sale or bring and buy sale
Pass it on...
- Ask family and friends if they have a use for your old bike
- Go online to give it away at sites like Freecycle and Freegle
- Try searching the internet or contact your local council to find your nearest re-use organisation. The following organisations take old bikes and refurbish them for charity or community projects:
- If you're in Scotland: Call the Re-use Line to donate your bike on 0800 0665 820
- Donate Your Bike Glasgow
- The Bike Station
- CTC bike recycling directory
Recycle it...
If your bike is really beyond repair, you can recycle the metal parts. Many local recycling centres have a mixed metals recycling facility.
- You will need to provide your own transport. Contact the recycling centre to find out the opening hours, which can vary for cars and vans
- If you are taking your bike in a van, check with the recycling centre whether you need any permission or ID to do so
- Before taking your bicycle to the recycling centre, remove any rubber or plastic parts such as tyres, inner tubes, saddles, brakes, plastic light or lock fittings and bells