Bicycle Donation, Recycling, and Disposal

Bicycles are highly reusable and repairable, so donation or repair should be the first choice whenever possible. A working or repairable bike can support transportation, recreation, job access, youth programs, and community repair workshops.

If a bicycle is beyond repair, its metal frame, rims, chain, gears, handlebars, and other metal components may be accepted by a scrap-metal recycler or a local recycling center with a scrap-metal program. Do not put an entire bicycle, loose bike parts, chains, cables, wheels, or tools in curbside recycling carts. Large, irregular metal items can jam recycling equipment and create hazards for workers.

Choose the right option

Before donating

Prepare the bicycle by:

• Cleaning off mud, grease, and personal items.

• Removing locks, lights, baskets, child seats, GPS trackers, and accessories you want to keep.

• Checking the frame for the serial number.

• Recording the serial number and taking a photo before donating or selling.

• Confirming that the bicycle is yours to donate.

• Telling the recipient about known problems, crash damage, missing parts, or needed repairs.

• Calling or emailing before delivery because many organizations have limited storage and specific acceptance rules.

Do not donate a bike that may be stolen, has an altered or missing serial number, or belongs to someone else. Bicycle registration through a nonprofit registry such as Bike Index can help document ownership and assist with recovery if a bicycle is lost or stolen.

Donation and repair locations

The following organizations are examples of bicycle donation, repair, reuse, and community-bike programs. Availability, hours, accepted bicycle types, condition requirements, and donation procedures can change. Contact each organization before transporting a bicycle.

Larger regional programs

Working Bikes collects donated bicycles, parts, and accessories in Chicago and the Midwest, repairs many of them, and redistributes bicycles locally and through international partners. Its primary warehouse and shop is at 2434 S. Western Ave. in Chicago, with additional drop-off options listed on its website.

The Recyclery Collective accepts bikes in working or repairable condition and offers Chicago-area drop-off options and some scheduled pickup arrangements. It uses donations to support community programs and bicycle restoration.

Bikes for the World maintains donation drop-off locations across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and parts of Pennsylvania. Some locations require advance scheduling, have restricted hours, or serve county residents only.

Recycling a bicycle beyond repair

When a bicycle cannot be restored:

• Call a scrap-metal recycler first and ask whether it accepts complete bicycles.

• Ask whether tires, tubes, plastic accessories, and seats must be removed.

• Separate aluminum rims, steel frames, stainless-steel spokes, and other metal components if requested.

• Take usable components, such as wheels, pedals, saddles, derailleurs, brakes, chains, and handlebars, to a bike cooperative if accepted.

• Remove rechargeable lights, e-bike batteries, GPS units, and electronic accessories. Dispose of batteries and electronics through the appropriate specialized programs.

• Never place a complete bike or large bike parts in curbside recycling.

Recycle Ann Arbor, for example, accepts broken bicycles and bike parts as scrap metal but directs residents not to place them in curbside recycling. It also notes that tires and tubes are generally handled as trash unless another local program accepts them.

Safety and Legal Notice

This guide is for educational purposes only. Donation, recycling, scrap-metal, tax-deduction, pickup, and accepted-item policies vary by location and organization. Always contact the recipient, repair shop, recycler, or waste provider before transporting a bicycle or parts.

Do not donate, sell, give away, or ride a bicycle that is unsafe, stolen, recalled, structurally damaged, or missing critical safety components. Check for cracks, bent frames or forks, damaged handlebars, worn tires, faulty brakes, loose wheels, broken chains, and missing reflectors before use or transfer.

E-bikes, e-scooters, and bicycles with lithium-ion batteries require special care. Do not place battery-powered devices or loose lithium-ion batteries in trash or curbside recycling. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use an authorized battery or e-waste collection program.

Connecting The Dots Project does not guarantee the accuracy, availability, acceptance policies, safety practices, or services of any organization listed above. Inclusion in this guide does not constitute an endorsement.