If you’re planning on getting rid of your old bicycle or know someone who will soon, think of donating it, even if it doesn't look like there is much life left in it. There are many bicycle recycling organizations across the country that collect unwanted bicycles and spare parts (inner tubes, tires, aluminum parts, chains, etc) and put them to good use.

Give Your Bike A New Purpose

To dispose of your old bicycle or buy a previously-owned one, you can of course use well known sites such as Craigslist or Freecycle. But the added bonus with local recycling organizations, is that most of them provide educational/job training programs for local youth: your bicycle hence becomes a learning tool, helping build stronger communities by giving a purpose to otherwise possibly idle young people who learn skills and build their self-worth. Many of these programs also sell used bikes and parts, which benefits the environment by reducing unnecessary manufacturing of new products and packaging, hence reducing waste.

To find a bike recycling center near you and more creative recycling ideas, visit the International Bicycle Fund. Their site is very thorough, and will tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about bicycles, from the history of bicycling to cultural tours around the world and much more.

Recycle For Spare Parts

If your used bike and its spare parts truly are beyond "useable" for other bikes, they can still be revived to create other objects: the chains can be used to make bottle openers or luggage tags, as displayed at resourcerevival; aluminum parts can become furniture, such as a table base or the back of a swivel barstool, thanks to creative designers at Bike Furniture Design.  

Bicycles are the greenest means of transportation, so donating yours to someone or to an organization truly is a gift, for your recipient's health and for the planet. But make sure not to be without one yourself for too long!