RE~CYCLE

RE~CYCLE is a UK-based nonprofit organization and registered charity (Charity number 1063570) focused on collecting and refurbishing used bicycles to support communities in Africa. Founded in 1998 and based in Essex, the charity receives second-hand bikes and parts from across the UK, which are then sent to trusted partner organizations in several African countries, including Ghana, Zambia, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and South Africa[1][3][4][5].

Mission and Vision

RE~CYCLE's vision is "Africa unlimited by Transport," aiming for a future where every person in Africa has access to affordable, quality, and sustainable bicycle transport. The mission centers on improving lives through bike re-use, emphasizing sustainability, integrity, quality, and open dialogue. By providing bicycles, spare parts, and tools, RE~CYCLE supports local bicycle social enterprises that sell bikes at reduced prices, creating economic opportunities and helping reduce the long daily walking distances common in many rural communities[2][5].

Activities and Approach

The charity operates a warehouse in the UK where donated bicycles are sorted into those suitable for shipping to Africa, those that need to be stripped for parts, and those that can be repaired for resale locally. A team of over 30 volunteers helps prepare the bicycles, loading on average about 500 bikes and parts per shipping container. Some bicycles not suited for African terrain but still functional are repaired by qualified Cytech mechanics and sold in the UK. Proceeds from these sales fund RE~CYCLE's core activities and enable further shipments[2].

RE~CYCLE collaborates closely with local partners in Africa who manage the bicycle social enterprises and conduct training to teach local people bicycle repair and maintenance skills. This "hand up, not hand out" approach ensures that the bicycles are valued and integrated into existing market networks, avoiding disruption to local vendors[2][3].

Impact

Since its inception, RE~CYCLE has sent over 120,000 bicycles to Africa, significantly contributing to community mobility and economic development. In 2021 alone, the charity shipped 4,574 bicycles with containers carrying hundreds of additional parts and tools. These efforts reduce burdensome daily walking, facilitate access to education, health services, and markets, and help alleviate poverty through enhanced transport options[5][3].

Governance and Resources

RE~CYCLE is governed by a board of trustees and supported by approximately 35 volunteers. It does not employ any staff with total benefits exceeding £60,000. The organization focuses its charitable purposes on education and training, health advancement, poverty relief, overseas aid, environmental conservation, and economic development, benefiting children, young people, people with disabilities, and broader communities across England, Wales, and several African countries[3].

This summary outlines RE~CYCLE’s work as a sustainable social enterprise charity that transforms discarded bicycles into valuable transportation for African communities, supporting development and self-reliance.

[1] https://re-cycle.org [2] https://re-cycle.org/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3940356/full-print [4] https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/Re-Cycle [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search?p_p_id=uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=%2Faccounts-resource&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_objectiveId=A11928556&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_mvcRenderCommandName=%2Faccounts-and-annual-returns&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_organisationNumber=3940356