FRONTLINE BIKES CIRCULAR ECONOMY APPROACH
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A circular economy system is one where we use less new raw materials, make longer lasting products, and repair products to make them last even longer, before we dispose of or recycle them.
This is in opposition to the linear economy system, which is a ‘take, make, use and dispose’ system where vast amounts of natural resources are extracted to manufacture products that are often discarded and disposed of in a land fill after a single use.
What Is a Circular Economy? Sustainable Bike Upcycling with Frontline Bikes Dublin
At Frontline Bikes, we’re proud to be part of the circular economy movement in Dublin, giving discarded bikes a second life through repair, reuse, and upcycling.
But what exactly is a circular economy, and why is it important?
What Is a Circular Economy?
A circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and make the most of existing resources. Instead of the traditional linear economy model - where we “take, make, use, and dispose” - the circular model focuses on:
- Using fewer raw materials
- Designing longer-lasting products
- Repairing and reusing items
- Recycling only when absolutely necessary
In a circular economy, the life cycle of products is extended - reducing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and cutting down on landfill waste.
Nature operates as a circular system - nothing is wasted. The circular economy model takes inspiration from this natural balance.
Benefits of a Circular Economy
Adopting a circular economy model has wide-reaching benefits for the environment, communities, and local businesses.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces the use of non-renewable resources
- Minimises waste sent to landfills
- Cuts down on pollution from manufacturing
Lifestyle Benefits
- Encourages sustainable living
- Lowers household costs by repairing rather than replacing
- Empowers consumers to make eco-conscious choices
Social & Economic Benefits
- Creates jobs in repair, recycling, and upcycling sectors
- Supports local circular economy businesses like Frontline Bikes
- Provides training and employment pathways for people in recovery and long-term unemployment
Did you know? An estimated 15 million bikes end up in landfill each year around the world. Our goal is to reduce that number, one upcycled bike at a time.
Frontline Bikes & the Circular Economy in Dublin
At Frontline Bikes, we embrace the circular economy in two key ways:
1. Bike Upcycling & Donation Programme
We collect donated bikes that would otherwise go to waste. These bikes are:
- Repaired, refurbished, and upcycled using salvaged parts
- Used in our bike mechanic training programme
- Sold in our Inchicore bike shop and online as affordable, sustainable transport options
Even bikes that are beyond repair are stripped for usable components, while unusable parts are recycled - for example, old tyre rubber is repurposed into playground matting.
2. Bike Repair Services in Dublin
We offer bike repair and servicing to keep bikes on the road longer - reducing the need for new purchases and supporting the reuse-first mindset.
100% Donated, Upcycled Bikes for Sale in Dublin
All of the bikes sold by Frontline Bikes — both in our Inchicore shop and online — are 100% donated and upcycled. These bikes are:
- Fully serviced by qualified mechanics
- Safe, sustainable, and affordable
- Built using recycled components where possible
- Part of a wider mission to reduce waste and promote social impact
Why Support Circular Economy Bike Shops Like Frontline Bikes?
When you buy an upcycled bike or get your bike repaired with Frontline Bikes, you're not just getting a great product or service - you're:
- Reducing environmental waste
- Supporting a social enterprise in Dublin
- Helping to create training and employment opportunities for people overcoming addiction and unemployment