Return Reuse Recycle
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The SFH walking aid return & reuse project went live in November 2022 in response to the NHS Net Zero report setting a target of reusing 40% of walking aids by 2025.
Metal walking aids have a high carbon footprint due to the high emissions associated with aluminium manufacturing. In 2021-2022 6300 walking aids were purchased by the Trust which produced over 186,000kgCO2 emissions, the equivalent emissions of a driving a car around the World 28 times.
In the first six months of the project launch over 460 unwanted walking aids were returned by the public to SFH and over 300 of these were re-issued. This has saved over 9500kgCO2e. We would like to thank the public and staff alike for engaging so enthusiastically with this project.
During National recycling week 16th – 22nd October SFH will be repeating the walking aid amnesty. People can return any unwanted metal aids irrespective of where they were issued, to our drop off locations (Clinic 10 or the volunteers in main reception at KMH, Byron House at Newark Hospital or the Therapy department at MCH). Further details can be found by contacting Deborah.kerry@nhs.net
Thank you to all our patients and colleagues for their continued support.
Walking aid carbon footprint
Walking aids, such as walking sticks, frames, rollators and crutches, can be safely refurbished and reused repeatedly. Boosting return and reuse will help improve access for patients, reduce carbon emissions and save money. For example, over the next 3 years the NHS could reduce its carbon emissions by 7.4kt, equivalent to 281,397 car trips from London to Bristol.
WRAP's Recycle Now Postcode Locator tool is the national recycling campaign's hub. You can check where your nearest walking aid return drop off location here
Crutches, frames and walking sticks are in the top 20 of medical device / equipment categories for carbon footprint due to the high Green House Gas intensity of aluminium manufacture.
You can see a short video about the scheme here
You can find the local British Red Cross service by following this link
Here is some more information from the British Red Cross:
Recycling unused crutches and other equipment
Most community equipment such beds, mattresses, toileting and bathing equipment, and walking aids such as walking sticks, frames, rollators and crutches can be safely refurbished and reused repeatedly.
Last year, ICELS collected back £13.7 million of loaned equipment and refurbished over 87% of this back into use for people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Collecting and reusing equipment is better for the planet, means better value for money and ensures better availability of stock, so that we can get equipment more quickly to people who need it. All ICELS equipment can be clearly identified by a barcode label on it with the British Red Cross name and telephone number.
So, if you or someone you know has equipment that is no longer needed or wanted, please contact British Red Cross on 0345 1272911 or customercare@redcross.org.uk to arrange a free collection.
Alternatively, you can drop it off at one of our British Red Cross depots at:
- Unit 1-4 Middleton Court, Glaisdale Parkway, Nottingham, NG8 4GP
- Unit 6, Eco Court, Latimer Way, New Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9QW
For drop off sites at Newark or Mansfiled Community Hospital, please contact the numbers below:
Newark, Byron House is 01636 685885
Mansfield Community Hospital Rehab unit is 01623 785122
For further information please contact Deborah Kerry
Therapy services, clinic 10 KMH
01623 622515 Ext 6688
