Recycling scheme appeals for return of walking aids that are no longer needed

22 April 2026

Last year, the Health Board’s Walking Aids Recycling Scheme refurbished a total of 4,563 walking aids, returning them back into use for patients across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. In 2026 they are keen to improve upon return rates and recycle more equipment.

The scheme, which is supported by the local HM Probation Service, refurbishes walking frames, crutches and walking sticks. Last year, by recycling this equipment, the Health Board saved £72,000 and prevented more than 192k tonnes of CO2E carbon emissions (equivalent to driving a diesel car around the equator 11 times).

Crucially, the scheme also helps to ensure patients receive walking aids at the point of need. Last year, when a supplier of specialist walking frames discontinued production, a shortage of this equipment threatened to delay patient discharges. The recycling scheme was able to plug the gap, with a steady flow of refurbished stock enabling patients who needed this specialist equipment to be discharged safely and return home.

The Walking Aids Recycling Scheme was initiated and is now managed by Physiotherapy Technician Rob Skellett. In 2026 Rob is eager to improve upon return rates and recycle more equipment.

He said: “We are appealing to the local community to return any walking aids that are in a good condition. To try to increase return rates we are starting a small project in April labelling all equipment with QR codes linking to information about where and how to return your kit. We are hoping to increase returns by 20% for this year by rolling this out.”

A key part of the scheme involves Rob training probation supervisors in cleaning equipment to Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) standards. The supervisors then train people on probation to inspect and refurbish the walking aids. When equipment is returned, it undergoes a safety check to ensure it is fit for recycling. If it is safe, it is cleaned according to IP&C standards and prepared for reuse.

“Together with trained Health Board staff and our local HM Probation Service, we are leading the way within Wales by ‘’doing the right thing’’ in cleaning, safety checking and refurbishing this equipment, as well as providing meaningful work, delivering social value and most importantly making walking aids more accessible for patients.”

Rob is also keen to share learning from the scheme more widely across NHS Wales. He said: “We have been working closely with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board recently, helping them set up a similar recycling project working with their local probation service.

Currently around 50% of walking aids are returned by patients, but there is room for improvement.

Walking aids can be returned to dedicated sites throughout Cardiff and Vale. A full list of locations where you can return them and more information is available here.