How to Prepare
- 1Clean bike thoroughly and check tire pressure
- 2Test all functions - brakes, gears, and wheels
- 3Make minor repairs if possible to increase donation value
- 4Remove personal items and accessories
- 5Take photos for resale listings
- 6Separate high-value components if bike is beyond repair
Where to Recycle
- Local bike shops (many accept donations)
- Community bike co-ops and repair collectives
- Play It Again Sports and sporting goods consignment
- Goodwill and other thrift stores
- Metal scrap yards (for parts only)
- Online marketplaces for complete bikes
Special Instructions
Working bikes have excellent donation value. Even non-working bikes have valuable metal components. Many communities have bike co-ops that accept donated bikes for refurbishment.
Environmental Impact
Bicycle reuse promotes sustainable transportation and prevents metal waste. A quality bike can serve multiple owners for decades. Recycling recovers valuable aluminum, steel, and rubber materials.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Sell working bikes through online marketplaces
- Donate to Bikes for Humanity or similar programs
- Trade for store credit at bike shops
- Repurpose bike parts for art or garden projects
- Use frames for bike trainers or stationary setups
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Complete bicycles of all types and sizes
- Bike frames (aluminum, steel, carbon fiber)
- Wheels, tires, and inner tubes
- Components (gears, brakes, handlebars)
- Bike accessories (lights, locks, pumps)
- Children's bikes and training wheels
Not Accepted
- Bikes with cracked frames (safety hazard)
- Bikes with significant rust or corrosion
- Stolen bicycles (check serial numbers)
- E-bike batteries (require special disposal)
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: $20-500+ for working bikes; $5-50 for parts; aluminum frames worth $0.50-1.00 per pound as scrap
Donation
- Bikes for the World
- Working Bikes Cooperative
- Local community bike programs
- Goodwill