Recycle - Convert used materials into new products. Figure out what you can recycle and where.Reduce Waste - Anticipate a way to prevent waste before it happens.

Likes

1

Bicycle Helmets Recycled?

Bicycle_race

Bicycle helmets are a complicated product with many types of plastics. In developing a recycling program for bicycle helmets in Portland, Oregon, it has become apparent there is a large labor component. The collection, storage, volunteer disassembly, and final distribution of the different components to several recyclers consumes a lot of energy. Some helmets are not recyclable at all with current processing streams. And once the plastics are at the recycling companies, the materials are often shipped overseas, compounding the energy in recycling.

This all points upstream to a better designed and produced helmet. It is possible to build a more sustainable, longer lasting, less expensive, and comfortable bicycle helmet. It just hasn't been done yet. There is a market opportunity for such a wise product. I am curious if there is an interest in working on such a design project.

I am also looking for ideas for recycling bicycle helmets that could streamline the process. Perhaps helmets could be ground whole, mixing all the components into a fine feedstock for another process of manufacture or recombination. Mixed plastics to oil? What about other helmets - motorcycles, skiing, football, lacrosse, etc?

Challenge Guidelines

All ideas are good ideas. Discussion is the fertile bed of solutions.

What this challenge offers to the winner

Sweet satisfaction from participating in an eco-economical solution. Who knows, maybe there is a business idea in here somewhere.

Which state this challenge is located in

Oregon

Current Solutions

If you'd like to post an EcoChallenge or a comment, become a member today. It's free!

Search EcoCategories by clicking on icons:

  • Buy_green_68x68_blue Buy Green - Seek out organic foods or products made with non-toxic ingredients.
  • Carbon_offsets_68x68_blue Carbon Offsets - Any action to reduce (or offset) greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Green_shipping_68x68_blue Green Shipping - Use reusable/recycled packaging. Use a green shipping company or method.
  • Light_less_68x68_blue Light Less - Choose energy efficient light bulbs and machinery. Redesign to let in natural light to consume less electricity.
  • Recycle_68x68_blue Recycle - Convert used materials into new products. Figure out what you can recycle and where.
  • Reduce_waste_68x68_blue Reduce Waste - Anticipate a way to prevent waste before it happens.
  • Reuse_68x68_blue Reuse - Lengthen the life of a product or material before it is recycled or disposed.
  • Think_local_68x68_blue Think Local - Buy locally and support prosperity in your community.

What are the Eco Icons? For any EcoChallenge, choose one or more icons that best reflects the category of sustainability that is helped by an EcoSolution. If an EcoSolution results in a new way to recycle something, choose the Recycle Icon; if an EcoSolution results in less waste production, choose the Reduce Waste Icon. A new water conservation method may represent multiple icons. You decide! If your EcoChallenge does not fall under any of the Icons, please let us know so we can create a new one! Scroll over each Eco Icon for a definition.