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Walking aids return scheme launches

11 April 2025 - Patients can return crutches and metal walking sticks to our King’s College Hospital site to be reused or recycled

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has launched a walking aids return scheme. This initiative will benefit the environment by reducing waste and carbon emissions while also generating cost savings and improving patient access to walking aids.

The returned walking aids will be processed by the Bed and Equipment Team at our King’s College Hospital site, where they will be inspected, cleaned, and repaired before being provided to another patient. Any walking aids deemed unsafe for reuse will be recycled.

Which items will be accepted?

We will accept the following items:

  • crutches
  • metal walking sticks

We cannot accept:

  • Zimmer frames
  • wooden walking sticks
  • personal equipment such as commodes

You can use the WRAP Recycling Locator Tool to find locations to drop off these items.

Where can these items be dropped off?

A collection bin is located outside the main entrance of the Golden Jubilee Wing at our King’s College Hospital site. Please give any items a wipe down before bringing them to the collection bin.

What if I can’t get to the Golden Jubilee Collection bin?

Patients can also use the WRAP Recycling Locator Tool to find their nearest drop-off location. Set the filter to ‘walking aids’.

We will be looking to roll out the scheme to other sites over the coming months.

Delivering on our Green Plan

This builds on our commitment to environmental sustainability as set out in our Green Plan.

Reusing walking aids will reduce our carbon footprint and waste sent to landfill. Manufacturing one walking frame creates the same emissions as driving for 50 miles.

If just two out of every five walking aids were returned, we could save around £40,000 and 30 tonnes of carbon.

Chief of Therapies, Rehabilitation and Allied Clinical Services, Kate Gregory said:

“Walking aids often play a key role in helping patients recover from illness, build their independence and support mobility.

“Returning these aids will help us protect the environment, provide patients with the equipment they need, and save money which can be better spent elsewhere.”

For more information on this scheme, read our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected].

Pictured is Abraham Oke, Sustainable Resources Manager, at our collection bin.