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Our next Tune Up Class has been scheduled!!!

Our June Tune Up Class will vary a bit from regular scheduling due to Fathers Day. We will meet on Sunday, June 10 from 6-9pm, and then again on Monday, June 18 from 6:30-9:30pm.

This two-part bicycle Tune-Up Class will be taught by Tzippy and will introduce you to basic bicycle maintenance. We’ll cover tool and component terminology, fixing a flat, chain maintenance, brake pad replacement, and basic shifting adjustments.

Bring your own bike to the class and tune it up as we go along. We do not have storage, but we try to make sure it’s ridable by the end of each session. Geared bicycles are recommended over single speeds or fixed gears. We will provide hand-outs to help with learning.

Cost for this two session class is $75 (more if you can, or contact us to negotiate less, if you can’t), or $95 when you add on The Recyclery t-shirt and Jay Ryan poster. Attendance is limited, so please use the ticket link below to register, today!

Sign up for a class at the following link:

http://shop.therecyclery.org/product/tune-up-class/

The Recyclery Collective is Now Hiring a Bicycle Mechanic!

NOW HIRING: Bicycle Mechanic

The Recyclery Collective: The Recyclery Collective is an educational bike shop that promotes sustainability by giving access to tools, skills, and opportunities for collaboration.

Job Description: The Recyclery Collective is hiring a bicycle mechanic to fix bicycles for sale. The mechanic will work 15-30 hrs per week with a semi-flexible schedule. Position starts at $14.25 per hour. Working with one or more collective members, the mechanic will be responsible for:

  • Evaluating bicycle donations for repair or scrapping
  • Making necessary repairs to used (sometimes abused) bicycles in a timely fashion, ensuring that they meet The Recyclery’s standards
  • Helping to transport bike donations
  • Reporting work to the Collective
  • Maintaining records of bikes fixed and repairs made
  • Maintaining cleanliness and organization of our shop and storage spaces

Schedule: This position will continue through September 2018, with the possibility of continuation.

Working with the Collective: The Recyclery is run by a Collective which meets twice per month to discuss and decide issues impacting the direction of the organization and operates using a consensus process. These meetings are unpaid, and while the mechanic will not be required to attend, attendance is strongly encouraged.

Necessary Qualifications:

  • Minimum of one year’s mechanical experience (in bike shop or equivalent experience)
  • Experience working on a wide range of bikes dating back to the 1970s
  • Strong work ethic, ability to self-motivate, and a willingness to ask for assistance
  • Interest in furthering the Mission of The Recyclery and upholding our safe space guidelines as well as our Code of Respects

Additional Skills Preferred:

  •  Valid drivers’ license and ability to drive a vehicle

The Recyclery Collective is an equal opportunity employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, national origin, or disability. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, walk up and down stairs, lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Please email resume and cover letter to info@therecyclery.org, NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

The Recyclery Collective is Now Hiring a Bike Wrangler!

NOW HIRING: Bike Wrangler

The Recyclery Collective Mission: The Recyclery Collective is an educational bike shop that promotes sustainability by giving access to tools, skills, and opportunities for collaboration.

Bike Wrangler Job Description: The “Bike Wrangler” (BW) is responsible for: connecting with bike donors, retrieving bike donations, and moving bikes between Recyclery spaces. The Bike Wrangler uses the Recyclery Collective pickup truck to move loads of 7-25 bikes at a time. While not planning and driving pickup routes, the Bike Wrangler will focus on establishing and maintaining contact with donors, and delegating related tasks to qualified volunteers. This is a part-time position, averaging 11 hours/week. Position starts at $14.25 per hour.

Connecting with Donors (~3 hours/wk)

The BW is responsible for keeping in touch with existing bike donors. Also, the BW is expected to seek out and build relationships with new bike donation sources. This could include bike shops, universities, property managers, local governments, etc. The BW  works to make bike donation a smooth and rewarding process for all bike donors.

Retrieving Bike Donations (~6 hours/wk)

Coordinate with donors to plan efficient bike pickup routes. When applicable, coordinate with volunteers, interns, and staff for extra support. The BW is responsible for keeping accurate records of donations, and for getting receipts to donors who need them.

Managing Bike Storage (~4 hours/wk)

The BW will be the main staff responsible for moving bikes between different Recyclery spaces and pop-up locations.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Keeping track of truck maintenance needs. As the main staff operating the Recyclery vehicle, the BW will make sure that maintenance needs are being met
  • Making social media posts. If time allows, the BW will share highlights and post shoutouts to donors via social media
  • Communicating with other staff and The Collective
  • Innovating within the position

Bike Wrangler Requirements

  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be able to lift and manipulate 30lbs above your head

Additional Qualifications

  • Independant
  • Self-motivated
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with Google cloud-based file sharing programs

The above description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. From time to time, and related to the nature of work performed to accomplish The Recyclery’s Mission, employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities.

The Recyclery Collective is an equal opportunity employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, walk up and down stairs, lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Please email Resume & Cover Letter to info@therecyclery.org, NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Please join us for WTF Open Shop Night!!!

WTF Open Shop Night: By The Recyclery, Women Bike Chicago, & CommunityCave Chicago

Every 4th Sunday 6pm-9pm, The Recyclery co-hosts WTF (Women | Trans | Femme) Open Shop Night in collaboration with Women Bike Chicago and CommunityCave Chicago. This program is led by WTF mechanics from both Women Bike Chicago and The Recyclery, with CommunityCave helping to create a intentionally inclusive space for our trans and gender expansive community members.

WTF Night is for people who identify as women, trans/nonbinary, or femme. Participants learn new skills, get practical help with their own bikes, and contribute to the Recyclery’s Freecyclery program. WTF Night is a time for leaders and participants alike to share knowledge and skills with other community members. People at all skill and experience levels are encouraged to join.

For those working on their own bikes, there is a $10 per hour requested donation (more if you can, less if you can’t). Check out The Recyclery for more information their programming.

Please get to know our partners in this endeavor, Women Bike Chicago & CommunityCave Chicago through their respective websites!



Our Mission

The Recyclery Collective is an educational bike shop that promotes sustainability by giving access to tools, skills, and opportunities for collaboration.

Our Vision

We envision a diverse, resilient neighborhood filled with knowledgeable, self-reliant cyclists.

Our Values

  • Collaboration: We create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to work, share, and learn together to support a practical form of transportation.
  • Social Justice: We provide tools and resources to empower underserved populations and nurture community leaders.
  • Ecological Sustainability: We encourage the mindful use of resources and promote cycling as a part of building more resilient communities.
  • Celebrating Everything We Do: We like to have fun while working hard to make bicycles and mechanics accessible.


Our Structure

The Recyclery is a 501c3 non-profit run primarily by volunteers. All major decisions are made by a quorum of collective members at a twice-a-month meeting. The Collective follows a consensus decision making model and is open to anyone willing to put in the time and effort to fulfill collective entry requirements. A few staff members are paid for administrative tasks, fixing bikes for sale, and teaching classes. Meet our collective and staff members here.

Our Support

The Recyclery is grateful for all the support we receive from the wider community.