The Sustainability at Retail Playbook. Built for bike shops.

It’s free to start.

The average bike store generates multiple waste streams — rubber, metal, cardboard, e-waste. Managing them properly isn’t just good for the environment. Stores that recycle and reuse can cut waste disposal costs by up to 30% and free up valuable workshop space.

The Playbook gives you practical, step-by-step tools to make your operations more sustainable — without adding complexity or cost. Built with Bicycle Industries Australia’s Sustainability Committee. Funded by EPA NSW.

The Playbook gives you practical, step-by-step tools to make your operations more sustainable — without adding complexity or cost. Built with Bicycle Industries Australia’s Sustainability Committee. Funded by EPA NSW.

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Supplier guide by waste stream

Find recycling and disposal solutions for each type of waste your store generates. Each section links to vetted suppliers and services, listed by state.

Cardboard

Flatten, bale, and recycle to save bin space and cut disposal costs.

Recycling Near You

Keep batteries out of general bins. Collection services designed for business

VIC — Recycle Bike Tyres, Rubber Crumb Bayswater

*please note Victoria has banned e-waste going to landfill

• A Tech Recyclers (Melbourne) — free bulk computer / electronics collection & drop-off in Mordialloc area atechrecyclers.com.au
• ReSource (Victoria) — certified e-waste processing in VIC re-source.au
• eWastec (Seaford, VIC) — general e-waste & IT recycling eWastec
• Sims Lifecycle Services (Melbourne) — IT asset recycling & data destruction in Melbourne / VIC Sims Lifecycle Services
• Ecycle Solutions – has drop-off sites and programs in VIC under National Television & Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) Ecycle Solutions+1
• Australia Ewaste Recycling (Melbourne) — corporate & drop-off services AUSewaste
• Greenbox Australia — e-waste / ICT recycling nationwide (including VIC) Greenbox

• E-Waste Recycling Australia — facility in Cairns, Townsville & regional QLD eWaste Recycling Australia+1
• ReGreenIT (Brisbane & suburbs) — pickup, bins, secure data destruction, general e-waste recycling ReGreenIT - 0411 121 866
• Ewastec (Brisbane branch) — they have a Queensland presence and drop zones in Brisbane area eWastec
• Brisbane E-Waste (Brisbane) — dedicated e-waste in QLD, corporate & local clients Brisbane E-Waste
• Ecycle Solutions — drop-offs & network in QLD via NTCRS scheme Ecycle Solutions+1

*WA has introduced a statewide ban on e-waste going to landfill to drive use of these services.

• Ecycle Solutions — has drop-off / collection network including WA (Jandakot, WA) Ecycle Solutions
• Cleanaway — operates e-waste recycling / disposal services across Australia, including WA Cleanaway

*SA has banned e-waste from landfill since 2013.

• Ecycle Solutions — national scheme participant with drop-off locations in SA (as part of NTCRS) Ecycle Solutions
• Cleanaway — broad waste / e-waste services covering many states including SA Cleanaway
• ANZRP / TechCollect scheme — these service SA under the NTCRS for TVs, computers, etc. TechCollect Australia+1

    *NSW does not currently have a specific e-waste landfill ban, but supports the NTCRS for TVs, computers etc.

    • Sircel — processing sites in NSW (Villawood etc) Sircel
    • E-waste NSW / E-waste (service) — state-based collection / recycling services E-Waste NSW
    • SPC eCycle (Sydney / NSW) — drop-off & pickup services for IT / electronics SPC eCycle
    • eWaste Sydney (IT Ewaste Solutions) — secure certified recycling and free pickups in Sydney region eWaste Sydney – IT Ewaste Solutions
    • Whirl Recycling (Sydney metro) — free e-waste collection with data security Whirl Recycling
    • Secure Data Recycling (Sydney / NSW) — free collection & eco disposal in Sydney area Secure Data Recycling
    • 1800EWASTE — national pickup & collection (operates in NSW) Ewaste
    • Cleanaway — e-waste services in NSW too Cleanaway
    • NetWaste / Sims Metal Management — many NSW councils use this for local collection points NetWaste
    • City of Sydney e-waste program (local council)

     

    *ACT also uses national and ACT government frameworks to manage e-waste.

    • Ecycle Solutions — drop-off network includes ACT under NTCRS Ecycle Solutions
    • Local ACT recycling / waste authority sites — check ACT government waste services
    • Cleanaway — may provide e-waste services via larger operations Cleanaway

      *Tasmania currently relies on general waste regulation and national schemes (no dedicated ban) per national overviews.

      • Ecycle Solutions — as national scheme, they maintain drop-off points in Tasmania under NTCRS Ecycle Solutions+1
      • Local Council / EPA Tasmania — many councils provide e-waste and electrical drop-off points (check local council)
      • Cleanaway — may service via branches or contracted in Tas region Cleanaway

       

      *NT does not have a dedicated e-waste landfill ban — relies heavily on national and local schemes.

      • Ecycle Solutions — national drop-off network may cover some Northern Territory via NTCRS scheme Ecycle Solutions
      • Private / regional recyclers (check Darwin / Alice Springs)
      • Councils or waste transfer stations in NT often host e-waste days or drop-offs

        Recycle tyres and tubes — and let your riders know not to toss them in general waste.

        Supplier links:

          Switch to biodegradable cleaning and degreasing products.

          Eco Chemical

          Shift to eco-friendly cleaning and degreasing products, reducing hazards.
          Supplier links:

          • Muc‑Off Bio Degreaser — a biodegradable, water-soluble degreaser that’s one of the more widely known “eco” degreaser options. Cycling Wanderlust+2Discerning Cyclist+2
          • Kingud Eco‑Friendly Bike Cleaner Concentrate — a plant-based / eco formula brand (Kingud is known for their ‘green’ bike cleaning line). kingud.co.uk
          • Cyclingdeal Biodegradable Bike Wash — a general bike wash / detergent marketed as biodegradable / eco.
          • Gtechniq Bike Drivetrain Degreaser — focused on the drivetrain; while not always ‘fully green,’ it is a good specialty degreaser to compare.
          • Cyclingdeal Dirt & Grease Remover — more heavy-duty option for tougher grease / grime.
          • Resolv Bike Starter Kit — includes multiple cleaning components and might include more eco options in the kit packaging.
          • GreenRide (Australia) — Biodegradable bike cleaning kit (includes degreaser, lubricant) with environmentally minded formulation and packaging. greenride.com.au
          • Shred EcoClean Waterless Wash — Australian made, biodegradable waterless wash — spray and wipe; ideal for shops wanting to minimise water usage. shredbike.com.au
          • Squirt Biodegradable Bike Cleaner (Concentrate) — Concentrate formula (60 mL) with biodegradable surfactants; great for stores to stock as small refills. trishop.com.au
          • Green Oil — Eco / biodegradable chain lubes & degreasers (e.g. Clean Chain Degreaser, made with coconut-oil base). green-oil.net
          • Effetto Allpine Extra — Chain / drivetrain degreaser using pine oil, a more natural solvent with reduced environmental impact.bikeparts.co.uk

          Bike Wipes

          • Bikey Wipes Frame Cleaning Wipes — formulated for frame & general parts cleaning without harsh chemicals.
          • Bikey Wipes Degreaser Wipes — tougher wipes designed for drivetrain, cassette, greasy components.
          • Silca Gear Wipes 110 Pack — gear / drivetrain wipes designed for heavier duty.
          • Peaty’s Bamboo Bicycle Cleaning Cloths — reusable bamboo fibre cloths (not strictly ‘wipes,’ but an eco alternative).
          • Bikey Wipes Compostable Pack — a version marketed as compostable.
          • NAB Bamboo BioWipes — more general bamboo fibre biodegradable wipes that could be adapted for bike use.
          • Unpass “Orage” Wipes — reviewed in Australia, marketed as containing no silicone oil, non-flammable, low VOC, free of endocrine disruptors. Bicycles+1

          Reduce solvent use and water waste with the right equipment.

          Supplier links:

          Switch to a renewable energy contract to lower your bills over time.

          Supplier links:

          Cut costs by reducing film, satchels, and wrapping in-store.

          Supplier links:

          Check with your local council for pilot drop-offs and collection partners

          Resell refurbished bikes and parts to create new revenue streams.

          Case study:

          Brainwave Bikes has collected over 5,000 donated bicycles since 2022. By refurbishing frames and

           

          STORE INITIATIVES 

          Reduce Waste & Recycle

          Support for bike stores to implement practical waste reduction systems across rubber, metal, e-waste, packaging and more. Based on the Green Wheels playbook, with actions that are achievable in real workshop environments.

          In-store Operations and Waste Systems
          • Set up separated waste streams in-store, including rubber, metal, e-waste, and general waste
          • Introduce tyre and tube collection systems
          • Implement safe e-bike battery storage and collection practices
          • Partner with collection providers such as Revolve and EcoBatt
          • Conduct regular waste audits using photos
          • Trial bin systems supported by EPA rebates
            • Educate staff on safe handling of lithium-ion batteries
            • Use approved storage containers, including fire-safe and sealed units
            • Create a clear customer drop-off point for batteries
            • Participate in battery collection networks
            • Support future product stewardship schemes
            • Prioritise repair and servicing over replacement
            • Promote refurbished and second-hand bikes
            • Offer buy-back or trade-in programs
            • Stock durable and repairable components
            • Reduce reliance on single-use or low-quality parts
                • Track and reduce material waste in workshops
                • Reuse viable components where safe
                • Optimise ordering to reduce overstock and dead stock
                • Bundle waste streams to reduce disposal costs
                • Improve tool longevity and maintenance practices
                  • Position the store as a ride-ready and responsible retailer
                  • Educate customers on how to dispose of tyres, tubes, and batteries
                  • Help customers extend the life of their products
                  • Encourage riders to return waste to the store
                  • Use simple in-store signage such as “Drop your old gear here”
                    • Join the Green Wheels program
                    • Complete a simple assessment using photos of bins and practices
                    • Work toward the accreditation points system target of 100 points
                    • Get listed on the Green Wheels Rider Directory
                    • Use accreditation for marketing and trust building
                    • Host or support local cycling events
                    • Participate in rider education, including beginner maintenance courses
                    • Share learnings with other stores
                    • Collaborate with councils and local community groups

                     

                    • Track volume of waste collected
                    • Track types of materials diverted
                    • Report outcomes through EPA or program channels
                    • Use insights to improve store operations
                    • Build a case for industry-wide systems
                    • Support inclusion of tyres and tubes in national product stewardship schemes
                    • Use “rider voice” language instead of petition-based messaging
                    • Highlight job creation opportunities and local innovation
                    • Promote better systems for retailers
                    • Add a battery drop-off box
                    • Separate tyres and tubes from general waste
                    • Install simple in-store signage
                    • Join the Green Wheels directory
                    • Start conversations with customers about waste

                    Need more help?

                    Sustainability is a journey and we’re here for it. If you have questions or want tailored advice for your store, get in touch.

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