How to recycle or donate responsibly

With the end of the academic year approaching, many of you are starting to think about moving out and what to do with any bikes you no longer need. If you're planning to leave your bike behind, there are three main options available to you: sell it, donate it, or dispose of it responsibly.

If your bike is still in good condition, we would encourage you to sell it yourself. Popular platforms include Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree, and local community Facebook groups. The earlier you advertise your bike, the more likely you are to find a buyer before you leave London.

If you'd prefer to donate your bike, LSE will be working with Cycle Confident, an organisation that helps refurbish and reuse bicycles. Cycle Confident also partners with local councils to deliver free or heavily subsidised cycle training, helping adults and children gain the confidence to ride safely and commute by bike.

If your bike is no longer usable, you can arrange for it to be disposed of responsibly through the hall. Please note that disposal and donation are different processes.

Donated bikes should be in a condition where they can be repaired or reused, whereas damaged or unsafe bikes may need to be recycled or disposed of instead.

The halls will not be purchasing bikes from students. However, we will help facilitate donations and the responsible disposal of unwanted bicycles. Students are encouraged to make arrangements as early as possible rather than waiting until the final few days before departure.

At present, this initiative is being coordinated across LSE-managed halls. If you live in a partner hall, please speak to your reception team, as local arrangements may vary.

If you have any questions, please contact your hall reception team, who will be happy to advise you on the options available.