Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has opened two new recycling bins across its sites for members of the public to drop off walking aids that they no longer use.
The bins have been funded by the Trust’s Therapy Services team after they identified that a large number of walking aids were not being returned when patients no longer needed them.
The recycling bins are accessible to the public and are located in the entrances of Airedale Hospital and Canalside Community Health Centre.
Airedale General Hospital
Main entrance (Zone C)
Skipton Road,
Steeton,
Keighley
BD20 6TD
What3Words location - solicitor.stands.prime
Canalside Community Health Centre
2 Kingsway,
Bingley
BD16 4RP
What3Words location – nurture.playback.scatter
In 2022, the Trust launched an ambitious Green Plan that set out a framework for sustainability and low carbon practice.
Reusing a refurbished walking aid is, on average, 87% lower in carbon emissions than issuing a new walking aid.
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 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.”
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 works with charities to re-distribute these to people who need them overseas.
It does not matter when or where the walking aids were prescribed as long as they meet the below requirements:
What is accepted:
- 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
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
- Walking aids with cracked or stained handles/parts
New children's play area opens at Otley Garden Centre
Recycle Day: Ilkley residents urged to donate unwanted items
Council considers tougher action on anti-social e-bike use
Concern over fly-tipping near Airedale Hospital
Lifesaving water safety skills event to take place in Ilkley
Annual Golf Scramble ends in nail-biting putting showdown
Everything you need to know about the Burley Summer Festival
EasyJet announces it will stop flying from Leeds Bradford Airport
Local bus drivers recognised among Transdev's safest
Alpkit Ilkley to close its doors after five years in the town
Ilkley residents share concerns over climate change in street survey
Addingham and Ilkley go head to head for charity cricket match
New all-day café and wine bar set to open in Ilkley this September
Ilkley BID to provide free online training for local businesses
Ambulance called after woman suffers fall at Bolton Abbey
Tracy Beaker author announced for 2026 Ilkley Literature Festival
Ilkley Pride announces packed programme of events ahead of festive Christmas celebration
Ilkley business celebrates second birthday with special business brunch
Ilkley’s Daredevil Grandma completes two aerobatic wing walks in one day
Premium indoor golf studio opens in Ilkley
