Recycling of walking aids

Do you have a walking aid that you or a family member no longer uses?

Maybe it’s a walking stick in your garage, a set of crutches in the loft or a wardrobe or other equipment gathering dust but still in good condition. These are just a few examples of items we can give a new lease of life. By handing in your walking stick, you can help someone else to get back on their feet. 

Recycling items such as sticks and crutches in partnership with Fife Council's recycling centres to ensures that these walking aids have a longer lifespan and can be used to help more people. So that not only does it have environmental benefits, but it also has a financial benefit too. 

• 98% of returned walking aids can be refurbished or reused, 
• Refurbished walking aids are 87% lower in carbon emissions, 

What can be recycled? 

• Walking Frames 
• Crutches 
• Sticks 
• Bath Boards, Bath Lifts, Shower Seats 
• Toilet Frames, Commodes 
• Orthopaedic Chairs, Perching Stools 
• Trolleys 
• Bed Rails 
• Over Bed Tables 

Where can you recycle the items? 

When you, or your relative, no longer require the equipment you can return it to a local Recycling Centre - ask staff at the recycling centre for the community equipment recycling container. The equipment can then be refurbished and used again if it is in good condition.

Find your nearest recycling point our Recycling equipment page.

Please don’t take equipment to be recycled to hospitals, health centres or Fife Council offices. 

This equipment amnesty will allow us to recycle and refurbish essential items to allow others to have the equipment they need to remain independent at home or in a homely setting for as long as possible. It might seem like a small act to return a walking aid to a local recycling centre, but it is a great way of giving back to your own community.

For advice on using walking aids

Find out how to use a walking aid on our patient advice page