MORE than 100 bicycles in Somerset have been passed on for recycling and re-use thanks to a partnership between council contractors and the charity On Your Bike.

Somerset Council and SUEZ recycling and recovery UK teamed up six months ago to offer bikes collected as part of the authority’s bulky waste collection service to the charity, which recycles them for use or spare parts.

On Your Bike helps people to learn new skills, including those who may have suffered social exclusion, have a disability, mental health problems, or ex-offenders – as well as many others who have faced disadvantages.

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Among those to benefit from the group’s Earn a Bike scheme, Houman, a refugee from Iran, completed a four-day course, learning how to refurbish a bike donated via the bulky collection service.

He disassembled a bike before completely cleaning and rebuilding it to be fully usable once more.

“The course has been excellent and helped me with many things, I have a bicycle that I can use to explore the area and help me find a job,” he said.

“The course let me improve my English with many conversations, I have met many people and now also volunteer at the shop, so I have lots to occupy me while I await my decision from Home Office.”

Duncan, workshop supervisor at Bridgwater On Your Bike, said: “I have really loved having Houman with us, he is so positive about everything and really makes me think about just how many things we can rebuild and fix rather than simply replace with a new part.

“We even managed to cobble together his own tool kit and bike stand for him to assist his fellow residents.”

Cllr Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council lead member for transport and waste, said: “It’s always great to hear stories of how our local partnerships benefit our residents. Loving our things for longer is an easy step for a more sustainable future and something as simple as passing on your pre-loved bike is a great way to do this.

“We’re pleased that the team at On Your Bike has been able to support more people with their courses.”

On Your Bike is reusing cycles collected by SUEZ as part of a Somerset Council collections service

And Matthew Canning, Somerset contract director for SUEZ, added: “We’re pleased we can support this brilliant charity by donating bikes that are collected on our bulky collection service.

“Waste management is not just about disposal, but also about reuse and contributing to the circular economy. We have been surprised at how many bikes we collect, before this partnership the bikes were recycled, but now the bikes or their parts will be reused – a much better alternative for the environment.

“The project contributes to our vision to live in a world where there is no more waste as well as supporting groups that help the local community.”

The charge for collecting up to three bulky items is £73.40 and an extra £18.40 for each additional item. There is a maximum limit of five items per collection, which can be booked online via https://www.somerset.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste/assisted-clinical-and-bulky-collections.