Interesting about recycling. I figured it was a waste but didn't know what to do about it. I just put it in the metal pile.

I cut as close to the elbow as possible, so it's easier to get the elbow out.

Put the wheel on top of the garbage can and cut the pair of parallel spokes that are over the can.

Use diagonals (wire cutters). Don't use cable cutters or scissors or whatnot. Diags will cut spokes for a long time.

You'll find it's easier to cut tensioned spokes. They pop when cut, shoot out. If you place the rim on the garbage can, even a bathroom size one, the spokes end up where you need them. Helps if there's crumpled up paper, spokes will bounce off a hard bottom.

Use gloves - the shock of cutting spokes gets to your hands after a while.

It's really nice to polish up a nice hub after it's been "de-spoked". Very rewarding.

cdr