Recycle Your Old Shoes With Shimano

In a move to reduce waste and reward participating bicycle riders, Shimano today launched the first-ever cycling shoe recycling program in Canada through a collaboration with international recycling leader, TerraCycle®. The global bicycle component and footwear leader will partner with 70 participating bicycle retailers across the country who will utilize TerraCycle® Zero Waste Boxes™ to collect used shoes from any brand and reward recyclers with an incentive on new Shimano footwear. The program aims to collect thousands of pairs of shoes through its conclusion on April 20, 2019 and equip participating riders with new shoes in time for Earth Day on April 22.

This initiative is in line with Shimano’s corporate mission: To promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us. “While we bring to market cycling shoes across Canada, we need do our part in protecting nature and recycling plays a key part. With this program we’re ensuring that Shimano is also taking products back in the most ecologically way possible,” said Tim Hadfield, General Manager of Shimano Canada. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with TerraCycle® and with our retail partners spanning the entire country to accept shoes even from our competitors as a way of being able to make a difference.”

Consumers can participate in this program immediately. On April 21, 2019, all 70 participating bicycle retailers across Canada will be returning the TerraCycle® Zero Waste Boxes™ to TerraCycle®. At that time, TerraCycle® will break down the shoes into reusable raw materials out of the key shoe components: carbon fibre, rubber or nylon outsoles, uppers and buckles.