Bikes and scooters are one of the most convenient and fun ways to get around your neighborhood. But like any piece of equipment, if it no longer serves its purpose, it takes up valuable space and can also be an eyesore in your garage, garden, or house. It’s difficult to decide what to do with old bikes and scooters reaching the end of their lifespan. But though it may be easier to throw them away, it’s always essential to dispose of old bikes correctly and ethically.
That’s why in this article, we’ll explain what to do with old bicycles and provide solutions to repurpose, recycle, or dispose of old bikes and scooters. The disposal experts at Ridly have got you covered.
Especially if your old bicycle or scooter is rusty, dirty, or damaged, it can be very tempting to chuck it in the trash – it’s the easiest and simplest thing to do. But stop and ask yourself first: is it the right thing?
Bikes and scooters are primarily made of metal, contributing to harmful waste build-up in landfills. Unlike some other landfill materials, the steel, aluminum, rubber, and plastic that bicycles and scooters are made of take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose fully.
Sydney and Australia already have a landfill problem – one that our expert rubbish removalists at Ridly are actively trying to assist with – so adding more waste that takes much longer to decompose can harm the environment. Not only that, but certain bike materials, like rubber tires and brake fluid, can also damage the environment if not disposed of properly.
We know that’s a lot to take in, and a lot of responsibility for something as simple as disposing of an old bicycle or scooter. But never fear – there are creative solutions and helpful initiatives that can inform you what to do with your old bikes.
Say your old bike no longer works well enough to be safe, or it’s damaged, and you want a new replacement. You don’t have to dispose of it – you could repurpose it instead. Bikes are such clever constructions that you could take them apart and use the materials for something else. Here are a few examples to jog your mind:
By upcycling in these ways, you can solve the problem of what to do with an old bike while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Donating or selling your old bike or scooter is an excellent solution if it is still in a workable and safe condition. Try going on your local Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to see if you have any interested buyers. You could also donate your bike to charity; there are plenty of charities and organizations around Sydney that can accept old bikes as donations. Don’t let your bike go to a landfill when someone else can still get use and enjoyment out of it!
As we mentioned earlier, bikes and scooters are made of metals, rubber, and other materials that don’t mesh well with landfill (don’t go throwing the parts into your red bin!). The materials in old bikes and scooters are perfect for recycling. Metals like steel and aluminum can be melted down and reshaped into something brand new. Tires and tubes can also be turned into rubber mulch for landscaping. There is a wealth of recycling facilities around Sydney and Australia that can take care of your bikes.
You can also count on professional rubbish removalists to dispose of your old bikes and scooters safely and correctly. Whether you’ve got a single bike or a whole rack of them – these removalists are trained to provide efficient and convenient services to take the effort out on your part.
Sometimes, you might think that your old bike or scooter is well past the point of salvation. You may not be able to upcycle, repurpose, or sell it to a new owner and might just resort to throwing it in the trash. But don’t hit that big red bin lid just yet – even in the worst of wrecks, your old bike or scooter can still be salvaged for recyclable or reusable parts. You can take your bike apart and recycle specific parts. It will take some elbow grease and a bit of technical know-how. Still, you can save money by reusing specific parts like chains, pedals, and metal frames for other purposes (or to build your next bike) or help reduce your environmental impact by recycling the pieces appropriately. Rubber tires should also not be thrown out or recycled – but they might be accepted at some recycling centers. Whatever you decide is best for you and your bike, it’s always wise to consider all your options before simply getting rid of it.
It’s not easy to decide what to do with old bikes and scooters. Something that seems so simple can become complicated and challenging when you find out you can’t simply throw it away. The good news is that you’re not alone in the struggle. There are always people out there keen to buy a used bike or parts of one, and charities that accept used bikes and scooters. The easy and smart option is to use a rubbish removal company.
When you work with Ridly, you’ll get proper disposal and recycling services right to your door, which means you won’t have to worry about a thing. Our Sydney removalists know exactly what to do with old bikes scooters, and other rubbish you may have lying around your garage and home. We can help you clean out your garage or garden and dispose of those old bikes and scooters safely and responsibly. So, the next time you puzzle over how to dispose of old bikes or scooters, give our experts at Ridly a call. We’re here to make this as easy and eco-friendly as possible and find your old bike or scooter the best home for its retirement.
By submitting you accept our terms & conditions.
Call us on 0488 846 336, or request a quote:
By submitting you accept our terms & conditions.
