A RECYCLING bin for no longer needed walking aids has opened at Airedale Hospital in Steeton.

The bin, at the entrance to the hospital, has been funded by the NHS trust's therapy services team after it realised that a large number of walking aids were not being returned when patients no longer needed them.

Freya Sledding, chief allied health professional at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are very excited to get this scheme off the ground and be able to offer this 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.”

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. If they do not meet health and safety requirements, they are condemned and the raw materials are recycled.

If the walking aids are safe but not required by the trust’s services, the therapy team will work with charities to re-distribute them to people who need them overseas.

It does not matter when or where the walking aids were prescribed as long as they meet certain requirements.

What is accepted: Metal adjustable crutches; metal adjustable walking sticks; metal adjustable quad sticks; metal Zimmer frames; standard walking frames; wheeled walking frames; four-wheeled outdoor walkers and gutter frames.

What is not accepted: Wooden walking sticks; foldable walking sticks; bespoke or ornamental handles; foldable three-wheeled walkers; walking aids that are broken or bent and walking aids with cracked or stained handles/parts.

Find out more at: https://www.recyclenow.com/recycle-an-item/walking-aids#locator