The tough world of bike recycling

			Neill Ghosh Intelligent giving Lead Researcher
			RECYCLING BICYCLES in aid of good causes sounds a great idea, but our research reveals that it is very difficult. Having spoken to many people within the industry while compiling our bike recycling listings, it seems that it rarely pays for itself. At one stage of our research we were given a list of bike recyclers that was only two and half years old - and when we rang them, half had folded. Forget turning a profit, these groups struggle simply to break even. This is not through a lack of motivation or effort - you will rarely come across people who are more committed to what they do. Related info Our listing of bike recyclers Our environmental charities listing Our environmental charities overview The costs involved in collecting, refurbishing and distributing bicycles are very high, resulting in a reliance on the generosity of the public to donate the bikes in the first place, and skilled volunteers to carry out the work. Re-distributing the bikes is doubly problematic – sending a container of 200 bikes to Africa costs around £3,000, or £15 per bike. But, despite all the difficulties, people keep going. Whether their aim is to teach disadvantaged kids skills in the workshop, to raise money and produce bikes for Africa, or to improve the health of the local community, they deserve more success than they have had. So…off yer bike.