Bingo is partnering with Revolve ReCYCLING, the first Australian organisation set up to specifically target bike waste.
Guido Verbist, General Manager Revolve ReCYCLING estimates there are about 800,000 bikes sitting in homes around Australia, of which the vast majority would normally go to landfill.
“Our strategy is redeployment first, that is we fix and repair bikes so they can be enjoyed by new owners,” Guido said. “For bikes that we can’t redeploy, we pull them apart for spare parts and then send the separate components to recycling facilities.
“We set up Revolve ReCYCLING because we believe diverting old bikes from landfill is the right thing to do from an environmental perspective and it can be financially self-sufficient and economically sustainable.”
As part of Revolve’s business model, there are designated employment opportunities for vulnerable community members, including long-term unemployed and people living with a disability.
BINGO has been helping to reduce bike waste, providing space at its Alexandria recycling centre for the past three months to support the growth and operations of the social enterprise. In that time, Revolve has collected more than 2000 bicycles, many of which have been repaired and resold, pulled apart for spares and recycled.
“With BINGO’s support, we have been able to upscale our operations and increase the volume of bikes we can store, collect and recycle,” Guido said.
“Our bikes are affordable, safe and reliable, having been serviced by our professional team of bike mechanics, making cycling available to all members of our community.”
Children’s bikes are donated to charities providing bikes and toys to children in need. Refurbished bikes can also be viewed and purchased through Revolve’s online store.
Supporting Revolve ReCYCLING is part of BINGO’s Sustainability and GO Giving program of works to give back to community and support the recovery of problematic waste streams.
For more information, visit: www.bingoindustries.com.au
Related stories:
BINGO acquires United Waste Services
BINGO opens mixed waste recycling facility