Madam, - Some recent letters have raised queries about the recycling of bicycles and vacuum cleaners. Unlike electronic and electrical items, there is no State scheme for the recycling of bicycles, although most local authority recycling centres will accept bicycles free or for a small charge.
There are more than 80 of these centres across Ireland and full details of the items accepted can be found on local authority websites. The metals from recycled bicycles generally end up in licensed scrapyards together with the non-recycled residues.
A more useful way to dispose of bicycles and other household items to pass them on. Reusing items is better for the environment than recycling and also has positive impacts for climate change. The online reuse public service, FREE Trade, allows users to pass on their unwanted household items, including bicycles. The service is free of charge and available for anyone to use. Users post notices of items with a description and collection details for interested parties. Items needing repair are also accepted. And all from the comfort of your home. - Yours, etc,
WARREN PHELAN, Project Manager, FREE Trade, Dun Laoghaire, CoDublin.
Madam,- Unlike old bicycles and vacuum cleaners, old washing machines might not need recycling. They could perhaps continue to be of use to some witnesses at the Mahon tribunal - maybe for laundering purposes. - Yours, etc,
PADDY GROGAN, Baily Green Road, Howth, Co Dublin.