Crunch

CRUNCH

Bicycle Recycle.

CRUNCH Bicycle Recycling is a bike metal recycle programme working in collaboration with the Queenstown bike industry. Research shows that approximately 500 kg of unwanted bicycle metal is sent to landfill every month in Queenstown.

By recycling bike metal, we’re cutting down on waste that will clog landfills in the Gibbston Valley for centuries. Most of the rescued metal can be re-processed via mechanical treatment and re-introduced to make new metals.

How it works

Bike retailers, repairers & bike hire companies save all metal waste for weekly pick-up by our Crunch Crew

The metal waste is sorted at the OneBike Hub to identify fine-grade metal.

Phoenix Recycling recovers the metal and processes it via mechanical treatment to make new metals.

The Impact

Environmental Conservation: Reduces the need for mining raw materials by recovering metals like aluminum and steel, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources.
Waste Reduction: Decreases the volume of discarded bikes in landfills, helping to minimise pollution and extend landfill lifespan.
Economic Benefits: Creates opportunities for industries to repurpose recovered metals, fostering job growth and supporting a circular economy.

Lightfoot’s Goal

Recover 500 kg of metal per month for recycling
Sort at least 50% of recovered metal to identify fine grade material
All recyclable materials that can be recycled in Queenstown Lakes District that enter the OneBike programme diverted from landfill (eg: currently able to be recycled)

CRUNCH’s innovative programme is the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. It supports the QLDC’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018 by improving the efficiency of resource use and creating a circular economy of bike related metal waste.

CRUNCH also supports the QLDC District Management Plan – Travel to a Thriving Future – Project 7, which aims to boost biodiversity, champions zero waste and will slash pollution.

Click here to learn more about Queenstown’s Destination Management Plan.

Participating Queenstown Businesses

Operating from January 2025 at many of your favourite bike and bike rental stores in Queenstown, individuals can also bring metal bike parts to the One Bike Hub in Red Oaks Avenue off Hawthorne Drive for recycling.

CRUNCH is a collaboration between the Lightfoot Initiative and the QLDC Waste Minimisation Fund. This programme is operating thanks to the Queenstown Lakes District Council.