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the recyclery
the recyclery

W.T.F. (Women, Trans, Femme) Night

Every 4th Sunday 6pm-9pm The Recyclery runs W.T.F. Night in collaboration with Women Bike Chicago. The program is run by w.t.f. mechanics from Women Bike Chicago and The Recyclery. W.T.F. Night is for people who identify as women, trans, or femme. Participants learn new skills, get practical help with their own bikes, and contribute to our Freecyclery program. W.T.F. Night is a time for leaders and participants alike to share knowledge and skills with other community members. Check out the Women Bike Chicago website to find information about other programs dedicated to people who are women, trans, or femme.

Community

Sign up for June and July Classes

We have an Overhaul class and Tune-Up class scheduled.

Sign up for a class here!

Overhaul Class
June 25 – July 30
Sunday afternoons 2-5pm

Our six-week overhaul class taught by Katie. You’ll learn how to disassemble, reassemble, and adjust each major mechanical system of your bicycle week-by-week. Costs $180 or $200 with shirt and poster.

Tune-Up Class
July 9 & 16
Sunday evenings 6-9pm

Our two-part bicycle tune-up classes are taught by Tzippy. This class 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. We’ll also provide some tips for getting through the winter! Costs $75 or $95 with shirt and poster.

 

 

Community

NOW HIRING Bicycle Mechanics

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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 refurbish used bicycles for sale. Mechanics work 15 to 40 hours per week (negotiable.) The schedule is semi-flexible. The pay starts at $13 per hour. We expect at least a year long commitment to the position.

The mechanic’s primary task is the refurbishing of used (sometimes abused) bicycles for sale. The mechanic must meet our benchmarks for bike repair productivity. The mechanic is responsible for ensuring that the bicycles they fix meet The Recyclery’s standards for safety and aesthetic appeal. Working with one or more employee/collective members, mechanics also:

  • Evaluate bicycle donations for repair or scrapping
  • Help to transport bike donations
  • Report their work to the Collective
  • Maintain records of bikes fixed and repairs made
  • Work with volunteers to maintain cleanliness and organization of our shop and storage spaces

Working with the Collective: The Recyclery is run by a volunteer collective which meets twice a month to decide issues impacting the direction of the organization and operates using a consensus process. These meetings are unpaid, and while the mechanic is not required to attend, they are encouraged to do so.

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 which you may read in our employee handbook.

Additional Skills Preferred

           -Valid drivers’ license

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, 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 drop off resume and cover letter at our shop, located at 7628 N Paulina, or email to info@therecyclery.org, NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Community

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.