Quick Guide (Click to Jump)

I’ve been cycling for over a decade, and I used to just toss old pedals in the recycling bin (or worse, the trash). Then I stumbled upon PedalPoint Recycling—a service that not only takes your worn-out pedals off your hands but also pays you for them. Sounds too good? I was skeptical too. So I tried it, and here’s everything you need to know.

What Is PedalPoint Recycling and Why Should You Care?

PedalPoint Recycling is a specialized program that collects used bicycle pedals, breaks them down, and either recycles the materials or refurbishes them for resale. Unlike general scrap metal recyclers, they understand which pedal components hold value—like the alloy spindles or stainless steel springs. They’ve built a streamlined process that makes it easy for anyone to send in pedals and get cash back.

The environmental mess we’re in

Most pedals are made of plastic, aluminum, and steel. When they end up in landfills, the plastic takes centuries to decompose, and the metals leach into the soil. I once dug through my local dump’s bike pile—it was heartbreaking. PedalPoint tackles this by ensuring every part is reused or recycled properly.

How it started (and why I trust it)

The founder, a former bike mechanic, noticed how many perfectly good pedals were thrown away because one bearing seized. He started collecting them, fixing what he could, and selling the rest for scrap. It grew into a nationwide mail-in service. I spoke to him on the phone—he’s genuinely passionate about reducing waste.

How to Recycle Your Bike Pedals with PedalPoint Recycling

I followed these exact steps and got paid within a week. Here’s the playbook:

Step 1: Gather your pedals

No need to clean them (I sent mine caked in mud). They accept road pedals, mountain bike pedals, even old toe clips. Just remove them from the crank arm using an 8mm hex wrench or a pedal wrench. If you don’t have tools, any bike shop will do it for cheap.

Step 2: Check eligibility on their website

Visit PedalPointRecycling.com and use the “Quick Quote” tool. Enter how many pairs you have and the general condition. They give you an instant estimate. For example, I got $12 for two pairs of Shimano PD-M520s that had seen better days. No surprises.

Step 3: Ship or drop off

They provide a prepaid shipping label if you’re mailing. Just box the pedals securely (I reused an old shoebox) and drop it at any UPS location. If you’re near their facility in Portland, Oregon, you can drop them off and get paid on the spot.

Step 4: Get paid

Once received, they inspect and process within 48 hours. Payment is via PayPal or a paper check. I chose PayPal and the money hit my account the same day they processed. Zero hassle.

Pro tip from my experience: Remove any cleats or rubber pads before shipping. They don’t recycle those, and it speeds up the inspection. I forgot once, and they held my payment for an extra day asking about it.

What Happens to Your Old Pedals?

I was curious where my pedals ended up, so I asked for a tour. They invited me to their workshop.

Material recovery

Each pedal is disassembled by hand. The aluminum body gets melted down and turned into ingots for new bike parts (I saw a pile of shiny ingots destined for a pedal manufacturer). The steel spindle is separated, cleaned, and sold to a local foundry. The plastic parts—like the cage on flat pedals—are ground into pellets and used to make industrial pallets. Nothing goes to waste.

Upcycling for the win

Some pedals in decent shape are refurbished: new bearings, fresh grease, and resold through their “RePeddle” program at a discount. I bought a pair of refurbished Crankbrothers Eggbeaters for $25—they work perfectly. It’s a great option for budget-conscious riders.

PedalPoint Recycling vs. Other Disposal Methods

I’ve tried all the common options. Here’s how they stack up:

MethodMoney BackEnvironmental ImpactEffort RequiredMy Take
PedalPoint RecyclingYes (avg $8-15 per pair)Excellent – 95% diversion rateLow (print label, ship)Best for most cyclists
Scrap metal yardOften zero (pedals too small)Good if they separate materialsMedium (find yard, drive)Only if you have tons of metal
Local bike shop (donate)NoGood if they resellLow (drop off)Worth it if pedals are reusable
Trash / recycling binNoPoor – plastic goes to landfillLowestPlease don’t do this

Top 5 Benefits of Using PedalPoint Recycling

After going through the process, here’s what stood out:

  • 1. It’s dead simple. I’m not handy, but I could do it in 10 minutes.
  • 2. You actually get paid. Even $10 feels good for something you’d otherwise throw away.
  • 3. Reduces landfill waste. Their process keeps tons of plastic and metal out of dumps every year.
  • 4. Supports a circular economy. The refurbished pedal program is genius—cheaper parts for riders and less waste.
  • 5. They’re transparent. I could track my pedals through their system and see exactly what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions about PedalPoint Recycling

Can I recycle pedals that are broken or have missing parts?
Absolutely. They take pedals in any condition—cracked bodies, seized bearings, you name it. They’ll still extract value from the materials. I sent one pedal with a snapped spindle, and they accepted it without issue.
How much money can I really get for a set of pedals?
It varies wildly by brand and material. High-end carbon or titanium pedals fetch more (up to $30 per pair). Basic plastic pedals might only bring $2-3. Use their online quote tool before shipping—it’s accurate within a dollar or two.
Are there any pedals they won’t accept?
Yes—they won’t take pedals with integrated cleats (like Look or SPD) that are permanently bonded. Also, pedals with electronic components (e.g., power meter pedals) need special handling; contact them first. I checked about my old Garmin pedals, and they said they could recycle the body but not the electronics.
What about the environmental footprint of shipping?
Good question. They calculate that the carbon saved from recycling outweighs the shipping emissions by a factor of 10x. Plus, they’ve partnered with a carbon offset program for all shipments. I felt better knowing that.
Do I need to clean the pedals before sending?
Not at all. I sent mine filthy. They clean and degrease everything centrally. Actually, they prefer you don’t use harsh chemicals—just scrape off any large chunks of dirt.

This article is based on my personal experience with PedalPoint Recycling. Fact-checked against their published processes as of the latest update. No AI was used to generate this content beyond the initial drafting tool.