Do you have an old bicycle gathering dust in your garage? Instead of letting it rust away, consider the positive impact it could have by donating it! Donating a used bike is a fantastic way to declutter your space, support your community, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Organizations like Bike Works are always looking for bicycle donations to fuel their community programs, social enterprises, and get bikes into the hands of those who need them most.
At Bike Works, a Seattle-based non-profit, bike donations are the backbone of their operations. They process thousands of bikes each year – diverting hundreds of thousands of pounds from landfills and transforming them into valuable resources. These donations power youth and adult programs, stock their social enterprise shop, and provide bikes to community members through giveaways.
If you’re wondering “Where To Donate A Bike Near Me”, this guide will provide you with valuable information and locations, focusing on how your donation can make a real difference through organizations like Bike Works.
Why Donate Your Used Bicycle?
Donating your used bicycle offers a multitude of benefits, extending far beyond simply freeing up space in your home:
- Environmental Impact: Bicycles diverted from landfills reduce waste and the need for new resources. By donating, you’re participating in sustainable practices and promoting eco-friendly transportation.
- Community Support: Many organizations refurbish donated bikes and provide them to individuals and families in need, offering affordable transportation and recreation. Your donation can directly impact someone’s life, providing access to jobs, education, and healthier lifestyles.
- Supporting Non-profits: Organizations like Bike Works rely on donations to fund their valuable community programs. Your bike donation helps them continue their work in youth development, bike education, and community empowerment.
- Tax Deduction: Bike donations to registered non-profits are often tax-deductible. Be sure to request a donation receipt for your records.
Where to Donate a Bike Near Me (Seattle Area – Bike Works Donation Locations)
If you are in the Seattle area and searching for “where to donate a bike near me”, Bike Works offers several convenient drop-off locations:
1. Bike Works Warehouse (Donation Drop-Off)
Address: 3715 S Hudson St #111 (back entrance) Seattle, WA 98118
Drop-Off Hours: Weekdays, 11 AM – 5 PM. No appointment needed.
Instructions: Leave donations at the bike rack near the Bike Works vans at the back entrance. For donations exceeding 10 bikes, please call ahead. Note that donations are not accepted on holidays or during closures – check their calendar for updates.
2. North Transfer Station
Address: 1350 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Bike Limit: 10 bikes.
Location: Find the Bike Works Bike Bin at the Recycle & Reuse Center Building near the entrance, just before the scale house.
3. South Transfer Station
Address: 130 S Kenyon St, Seattle, WA 98108
Bike Limit: 10 bikes.
Location: The Bike Works green bin is located near the exit of the Transfer Station, on the far north end, after you pass the scale house.
4. Rapha Seattle
Address: 301 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
Bike Limit: 1 bike.
Perk: Donate your bike or parts and receive 10% off your Rapha purchase, plus a complimentary coffee!
5. Rack N Road Renton
Address: 401 Rainier Ave N, Renton, WA 98057
Bike Limit: 3 bikes & No Trunk racks.
Instructions: Drop off during business hours and mention Bike Works. Rack N Road will donate the value of any racks you bring in on behalf of Bike Works.
Important Note: For questions about donations or tax information, contact Bike Works directly at 206-257-5895 or [email protected]. Rack N’ Road staff cannot answer Bike Works-related inquiries.
6. Bike Drives
Keep an eye on the Bike Works Calendar for bike drives happening in your neighborhood. Local organizations may host bike drives to collect donations for Bike Works.
7. 2nd Cycle Tacoma (Tacoma Area)
Address: 1205 MLK Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
For those in the Tacoma area looking “where to donate a bike near me”, consider 2nd Cycle, a partner organization of Bike Works.
What Kind of Bikes and Parts Can You Donate?
Bike Works welcomes donations of almost anything bike-related! This includes:
- Bicycles of any type, in any condition (from barely used to needing repair)
- Bike parts of all kinds
- Bike frames
- Bike accessories and gear
Please Note:
- While rusty bikes are accepted, consider metal recycling for heavily rusted items.
- A $1 suggested donation per tire helps cover recycling costs.
- For e-bike donations, contact Bike Works beforehand due to battery safety and disposal regulations. Ensure batteries are removable and you have the necessary keys.
How Your Bike Donation Helps Bike Works
Your donated bike goes a long way in supporting Bike Works’ mission:
- Youth Programs: Bikes are used as educational tools in youth programs like Earn-A-Bike, teaching bike mechanics, safety, and responsibility. Many program participants earn a bike to keep.
- Adult Programs: Similar programs are offered for adults, promoting bike skills and access within the community.
- Community Bike Shop: Refurbished bikes are sold in the Bike Works community bike shop. Revenue from these sales directly funds Bike Works’ programs and operations, creating a sustainable cycle of giving.
- Community Giveaways: Bikes are donated to partner organizations and individuals in need, providing essential transportation and recreational opportunities.
Host Your Own Bike Drive
Want to amplify your impact? Consider hosting a bike drive! It’s a fantastic community service project for schools, scout troops, faith communities, or any group looking to support Bike Works. Bike drives collect used bikes and raise awareness for Bike Works’ programs. Download the Bike Drive Guide for step-by-step instructions and tips.
Ready to Donate?
Donating your used bike is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to your community and the environment. If you’ve been searching for “where to donate a bike near me”, Bike Works and its partners offer numerous accessible locations in the Seattle and Tacoma areas. Your donation helps create opportunities, promotes sustainability, and keeps the wheels turning for a healthier, more connected community. Donate your bike today and be a part of the positive change!
