County Council helps put the cycling into recycling

Malvern-based bike social enterprise Bricycles is putting the cycling in to recycling this year.

The social enterprise is appealing for the public to donate any of their old or unwanted bikes so that they can save them from going to waste, a scheme supported as part of Worcestershire County Council's Lets Waste Less campaign.

The donated bikes will be lovingly restored to their former glory and even if they are beyond repair, every part lives on, either as part of another bike, recycled scrap metal or even more unusual uses such as the soft floor covering of a children's playground.

Money made from selling the restored bikes goes towards Bricycles re-use and recycling work, the development of the organisation aims to create  further employment within the cycle industry and cycling opportunities for people with disabilities in the future.

Further from home, Bricycles donate many of their surplus bikes to a charity called 'Bikes for Africa', which provides bicycles to people who have no other form of transport.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environment and Waste said: "This is a wonderful idea to help reduce the amount of reusable waste. The staff at Bricycles lovingly restore old bikes and make sure they are put to good use again".

Nick, Managing Director of Bricycles said : "Bike re-use and recycling is growing across the UK, and Bricycles is aiming to help this cause by establishing a recycling project for people who live in Malvern and the surrounding area."

"We take any used, old, discarded or unwanted bike, regardless of its age or condition. We also take any unwanted parts and accessories."

Unwanted bicycles can be taken directly to their shop on the Worcester Road in Malvern or, if members of the public are unable to take the bikes in themselves, the company may be able to collect the bike if the person lives in Malvern or Worcester.

They are open 10am-5.30pm, Monday-Saturday and can be contacted on 01684 577238 or by visiting http://www.bricycles.co.uk/

More information about Worcestershire County Council's Lets Waste Less campaign can be found at http://www.letswasteless.com/ or, alternatively, by phoning 01905 766883.