A RECYCLING scheme set up to donate pre-loved bikes is urging people to come forward with their donations.

Yorwaste’s Get reCycling Appeal, along with North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council have joined forces with local charities, Brownlee Foundation, York Sport, and The Recycle Project CIC, to collect unwanted bikes and give more young people access to an active, healthier lifestyle through cycling.

Now in its third year, Yorwaste's Get reCycling campaign will run throughout August, allowing members of the public to take pre-loved bikes to dedicated drop off points at the firm’s 22 household waste recycling centres. The centres will accept bikes for children and adults, in any condition, which will then be repaired or used for parts and redistributed via the campaign’s charity partners.

A selection of bikes in good repair will be donated to the Brownlee Foundation, founded by Olympic Triathlete brothers, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, to be given to schools for pupils to borrow - beit for commuting to and from school or enjoying in their spare time. This is part of the foundation’s commitment to inspiring and giving more children access to sports and physical activities.

Jonny Brownlee said: “It’s great to be working with Yorwaste, supporting its Get reCycling campaign. Reusing things and giving them a longer life is more sustainable and better for the environment. When those things are kids’ bikes, it’s also helping to get children and young people to lead active lifestyles and benefit from the opportunities sport provides.”

James Todd, Commercial Business Partner at Yorwaste said: “We’re excited to be partnering with the Brownlee Foundation and York Sport to give young people an opportunity to get active and socialise through sport. We’re always looking for ways to evolve our Get reCycling campaign each year."

Cllr Greg White, Executive Member for Managing our Environment at North Yorkshire Council added: “Cycling is an ideal route to an active and healthy way of life, however, for some young people, lack of equipment is a barrier to the wide range of benefits a bike can bring and we’re on a mission to break down these barriers with this year’s campaign.”

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, said: “Each year, our Get reCycling campaign brings life-changing benefits to many young people and families, and it’s all down to the generous support of the local public.”

Yorwaste operates the 22 household waste recycling sites on behalf of North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.