In an effort led by Assistant Solid Waste Superintendent Brian Ottenschnieder, the City of Olathe solid waste team donated 50 used and refurbished bicycles to Northview Elementary, to distribute to families in need as holiday gifts.

The used bicycles were collected as part of an effort to reduce the amount of bikes that were entering the trash collection stream. Ottenschnieder recognized the opportunity to divert the used bikes from the trash, and created collection events throughout the year to allow Olathe residents to drop-off their used bicycles.

Ottenschnieder then reached out the Lansing Correctional Facility when he learned about their bike shop, which allows inmates to refurbish used bicycles. Through these efforts, the Olathe solid waste team has taken 250 bikes to Lansing to be refurbished in 2024, along with another 160 in 2023.

In addition to these 50 bikes given to Northview Elementary, Olathe hopes to continue the efforts and work with Olathe Public Schools find more members of the community who would benefit from the refurbished bicycles.