New year, new materials diverted for reuse in Surrey

In January 2022, over 50 walking frames, 50 pairs of crutches and 15 wheelchairs were collected and donated as part of a new, ongoing initiative through the 15 Community Recycling Centres in Surrey. If bought new, this specialist equipment would be worth over £3,000.

Medical equipment that is given or loaned out to patients in Surrey often goes unreturned and many residents later take them to their local community recycling centre where it would be separated for metal recycling. With the specialist nature of the equipment and requirement for sanitisation, off-takes for reuse have been not been available until recently.

The unwanted medical equipment was collected from the community recycling centre at the Eco Park by Millbrook Healthcare on behalf of Surrey's Community Equipment Service. It will be cleaned, checked for any required safety certificates and reissued to residents in need, ensuring the equipment is put back to good use in the community. Equipment will continue to be provided as needed throughout the year, diverting even more materials away for reuse.