The bins were funded by the Trust’s Therapy Services team after it was identified that many walking aids were not being returned and were sitting at home in disuse.
The recycling bins are accessible to the public and are in the entrances of Airedale Hospital and Canalside Community Health Centre.
Once the walking aids have been dropped off, they are inspected, cleaned and put back into circulation if they are found to be safe and fit for purpose. Airedale said that reusing a refurbished walking aid is, on average, 87% lower in carbon emissions than issuing a new walking aid.
If they do not meet health and safety requirements, the walking aids are recycled.
In 2022, the Trust launched a ‘Green Plan’ which aims to improve its sustainability and lower its use of carbon.
Freya Sledding, chief allied health professional at Airedale, said: “We are very excited to get this scheme off the ground and be able to offer two accessible drop-off points for people to come and recycle their unused walking aids.
“We’re delighted to be able to help the Trust meet its Green Plan targets by reducing waste and we will be exploring the option of expanding the number of drop-off points in the future.”
Walking aid recycling
The Trust said that it does not matter when or where the walking aids were prescribed if they are one of the following:
- Metal adjustable crutches
- Metal adjustable walking stick
- Metal adjustable quad sticks
- Metal Zimmer frames
- Standard walking frames
- Wheeled walking frames
- Four-wheeled outdoor walkers
- Gutter frames
The following items will not be accepted:
- Wooden walking sticks
- Foldable walking sticks
- Bespoke or ornamental handles
- Foldable three-wheeled walkers
- Walking aids that are broken or bent
- Walking aids with cracked or stained handles/parts
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