Recycling inner tub...
 

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[Closed] Recycling inner tubes - any options

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All our bikes are tubeless now and I’ve 20 odd tubes. Rather than put them in landfill is there some way I can get them recycled?


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 3:11 pm
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Chainstay protection or shims for light brackets. That'll get rid of one...


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 3:25 pm
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I've wrapped some knackered ones around our bike  rack to stop pedals rubbing against the metal.


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 3:32 pm
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Where are you? Local bike project or charity, or even your LBS - they should (hopefully) have an eco-friendly arrangement for getting rid of tubes.

Alternatively post them to someone like Velo Culture, or ReCycle & BiCycle - both companies which reuse them/upcycle them.


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 3:35 pm
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Gimp suit?


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 3:40 pm
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The best use for these inner tubes is an inner tubes AFAIC. Offer then free on the for sale pages here. Or freecycle. Or sell them on ebay with a £0 starting price.

Or if they're 26inch, seriously send 'em to me, I have three 26in bikes that will be in use for years to come.


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 3:45 pm
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Donate them to beerbabe: https://www.beerbabe.co.uk/

so she can make them into frame bags/wallets/saddle bags etc?
Or donate them as suggested above.


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 3:52 pm
 TomB
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If these are new, our kids mountain bike club would happily take them- each member is supposed to bring a tube for their bike, but it’s often forgotten!


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 5:59 pm
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I would have couple as well..still on 26" here 🙂


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 6:35 pm
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Tie 2 together, few extra knots and they make very good tow ropes! hook one end round the seat post, another round someones bars, jobs a good un.


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 6:40 pm
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Gimp suit?

Not quite a gimp suit but in the same ballpark (possibly NSFW)

https://oxydcreations.com/collections/lifestyle


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 6:59 pm
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Does no one else find they just degrade and split?

I've one, occasionally two bikes still on tubes which means punctures are infrequent. And when they do happen it always seems like the spare has been folded up for so long that it no longer holds air.


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 7:57 pm
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Cycle for Good?


 
Posted : 28/08/2019 8:04 pm
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thanks all


 
Posted : 30/08/2019 1:35 pm
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Beerbabe is a good suggestion.
I know similar in Lincolnshire, who also has a drop-off point in Peebles if that's any use. They take tyres too.


 
Posted : 30/08/2019 2:14 pm
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I cut up old ones and use them for all kinds. Recent being soft jaws for a vice and as a DIY strap wrench for removing air cans from shocks.

Though 20 will keep you going, but I'd also keep one or two as spare in the car if you drive to rides or on trips. I still keep a spare in my bag, despite all the sealant and repair kit stuff. I need to trust it more. Though I've sometimes ended up donating my tube to someone else running tubes or someone less prepared with tubeless.


 
Posted : 30/08/2019 2:58 pm
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Schwalbe were talking about a recycling project that they should be launching soon - drop any brand of inner tube off at participating shops, they then get bundled and sent off to be made into inner tubes.

I think that's a month or so off.


 
Posted : 30/08/2019 3:05 pm

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