How to dispose of a bicycle in Amsterdam
Own bike out: free bulk-waste pickup or self-delivery to Recycling Point. Still rideable? A thrift shop or bike workshop often wants it for free. Found abandoned bike? Report to the city — Fietsdepot decides what happens.
Book a pickup on Amsterdam.nl →Here is how
- 1Own old bike outBook a bulk-waste appointment on amsterdam.nl. Stick label on the frame. Or self-deliver to a Recycling Point — bikes go on the metal pile.
- 2Still rideable?Fietswerkplaats Amsterdam, De Fietsenmakerij, or Stichting Klike — refurbish and resell to students/newcomers. Free pickup often possible.
- 3Not your bikeAbandoned bike in your neighborhood? Report via amsterdam.nl/fietsdepot. City places a "notice" sticker and removes after 2 weeks if no one claims it.
Do / Do not
- Remove locks and your name before delivery — Lock stays your problem if it cannot be opened
- Working e-bike with good battery? €100-500 on Marktplaats
- Bike locks are themselves metal recycling — include, not separate
- Do not leave chained to a post — counts as a bike wreck, city cuts it off
- No bike in a regular container — does not fit, plus metal parts disrupt the process
- No e-bike battery in regular waste — separately at Wecycle or bike repair (lithium = fire risk)
Or do something better
Most bulk waste still has life. Give or sell before throwing.
Recycling points in Amsterdam
Free for residents with ID + proof of address. All 6 locations accept bulk waste and small chemical waste.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just leave my bike somewhere and forget it?
No. The city picks up abandoned bikes (after warning period) and puts them in the Fietsdepot. There you pay €25-50 to get yours back. Better: officially dispose or give away.
What is a Fietsdepot?
Municipal storage where removed bikes are kept for 13 weeks. You can retrieve your own bike against a cost contribution. Location: Bornhout 8 (Westhaven).
How much does it cost to dispose of an e-bike?
Free for the bike itself. Battery separately at Wecycle or bike repair — usually also free. Not together, due to lithium fire risk.
Do I get money for an old grandma-bike?
Working grandma-bike with keys: €30-80 on Marktplaats within a week. Without keys or not rideable: free giveaway works faster.