Let’s face it—most of us have a rusty old bike or a broken rake lurking in the garage, shed, or backyard. Maybe it’s the kid’s BMX they outgrew five summers ago or that lawnmower that sputtered its last breath during a heatwave. You keep telling yourself you’ll fix it “one of these weekends,” but deep down… you know that weekend isn’t coming.
So, what can you actually do with those old bikes and garden tools? Good news: you can absolutely scrap them—and doing so is not only better for the environment, but might also earn you a few bucks and some much-needed garage space.
Let’s dig into how (and why) you should recycle that aging metal gear instead of letting it rust away.
Yes, You Can Scrap Bikes and Garden Tools
Most bikes and garden tools are made primarily of metal—think steel, aluminum, and sometimes even copper or brass in components like cables or fittings. These are all materials that scrap yards, like ours, are more than happy to take off your hands.
If your first thought is, “But wait, my bike has rubber tires and plastic parts,” that’s completely normal. These non-metal materials can usually be removed or handled by the recycling facility. The most valuable part is the metal frame or core. So yes, while your bike isn’t entirely metal, that doesn’t disqualify it from being scrapped.
The same goes for garden tools. Whether it’s a rusty spade, a broken hedge trimmer, or a tangled-up hose reel—there’s usually some solid metal in there that’s worth recycling.
What You Can Scrap (and What You Might Want to Dismantle)
Here’s a handy list of common items that are totally scrap-worthy:
- Bicycles (frame, handlebars, chains, gears)
- Shovels, rakes, hoes, and spades
- Wheelbarrows (especially the frame and bucket)
- Lawnmower frames and metal decks (just remove the fluids first)
- Hedge trimmers, pruners, shears (even electric ones, once decommissioned)
- Metal watering cans and hose reels
- Old patio furniture with metal frames
If you’re up for it, taking a few minutes to remove plastic grips or rubber parts can help maximize the value of your scrap. But don’t stress if you’re not sure how to do that—we’ll still take the items and sort them appropriately.
A Real-Life Example: John’s Garage Makeover
John, one of our regular customers, recently brought in a trailer-load of old garden tools and two bikes that had been collecting cobwebs for over a decade. He admitted he had no idea they could be recycled—he just wanted to clean out the garage before putting the house on the market.
We helped him sort through it all, pointed out which parts were worth the most, and even gave him tips on how to prep items next time for better value. In total, he walked away with over $70 in scrap payout—not bad for stuff he thought belonged in the landfill.
Plus, his garage? Spotless.
Why It Matters
Every piece of metal you recycle keeps it out of a landfill and puts it back into the circular economy. That rusty rake handle could one day become part of a new car, a building frame, or even another bicycle.
Recycling old tools and bikes also helps reduce the demand for virgin metal mining, which is energy-intensive and not exactly gentle on the planet. So by dropping off your old gear at a metal recycling center like ours, you’re doing your part in a bigger picture.
It’s small actions like this that add up to real impact.
What to Do Before You Bring It In
Just a few quick tips to make the process smoother:
- Drain fluids: If you’re scrapping a lawnmower or anything gas-powered, remove any fuel or oil.
- Separate materials: If possible, pull off rubber or plastic parts (like grips, tires, or seat cushions).
- Keep it safe: Sharp edges or jagged metal can be hazardous—wear gloves if you’re handling older, rusty items.
- Bring it in as-is: Even if you’re not sure about what’s recyclable, bring it in anyway. We’re happy to sort it for you.
And don’t worry—there’s no shame in showing up with a random pile of “what is this even?” gear. We’ve seen it all.
Next time you trip over that old bike in the shed, think scrap, not landfill.
Recycling your old bikes and garden tools is one of those simple, feel-good tasks that clears your space and helps the environment. Whether you’re decluttering, moving, or just tired of looking at that rusty rake leaning in the corner, bring it by—we’ll help you turn that forgotten metal into something useful again.
Got questions about what we accept or how to prepare your scrap? Just give us a call or drop by. We’re always happy to chat metal.
Now we provide our metal recycling service in Templestowe Victoria 3106.
Contact Us
Galaxy Metals
9 Mezzo Walk, Greenvale VIC 3059
0413 176 223
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