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Project Code [2021-ET-CP-108]

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Project title

CircleGreen Remanufactured Bicycles

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

An Mheitheal Rothar

Lead Applicant

Paul O'Donnell

Project Abstract

We will use sandblasting and powder coating to remanufacture bicycles sent for scrap to civic waste amenities in the Connacht-Ulster Waste Region. We’ve already run a successful pilot of our ReCycle Your Cycle initiative, teaching long term unemployed people on the Tús scheme valuable cycle mechanic skills while repairing discarded bikes for resale. Reusing the bikes instead of recycling the metal in them reduces waste, carbon emissions and resource use - but currently we can only repair the best 30% of bikes; many are not salvageable. This project proposes using rust stripping/powder coating equipment to make bike frames look "as new". This will allow us to repair many more bikes from council amenities, as well as salvaging previously unusable frames for sale to bike businesses directly. This will grow the circular economy in Ireland’s west, providing jobs, training opportunities and creating a model for reuse which could be used by other SMEs and social enterprises in Ireland. With the current bike boom, the need to use active transport ,and the interruption to supply chains, it also has the potential to change the way bicycles are marketed and sold in Ireland.

Grant Approved

�59,158.00

Research Hub

Cleaner Production - Green Enterprise - Innovation and Demonstration

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

16/03/2021

Initial Projected Completion Date

15/09/2022