Unwanted mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and walking sticks, can now be dropped off and recycled for re-use at five Derbyshire locations.

Mobility equipment collection points have been set up at recycling centres in Loscoe, Stonegravels, Ashbourne, Northwood and Bolsover.

The scheme is delivered in partnership between Derbyshire County Council and Medequip, which collects the items from the recycling centres.

A total of 450 items have already been recovered from the collection centres, 350 of which (78 per cent) were returned to the warehouse shelves for re-use. The remaining 100 were recycled.

Councillor Natalie Hoy, cabinet member for adult care, said: “We know that demand for this sort of equipment is high and the scheme will help to collect the smaller equipment and get it back on the shelves and re-used as quickly as possible.

“This helps to support vulnerable people in our community which is a priority for us.

“And there are environmental benefits too. Reducing the miles travelled by Medequip and making sure equipment doesn’t go to waste takes us one step closer on our journey to helping Derbyshire reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 or sooner.”

Steve Smith, regional general manager at Medequip, said: “Supplying community equipment to ensure Derbyshire residents can live independently is extremely important, from a wellbeing perspective and for everyday safety.

“Vital equipment also supports our NHS with hospital discharges, so people can return to their home environment with equipment in place to help with daily living.

“Working in partnership with Derbyshire County Council’s waste recycling centres allows residents to have the option to return equipment that is no longer needed at their convenience, and this enables us to support others who require that equipment.”

There are plans to roll out the scheme to other recycling centres in Bretby, Ilkeston and Waterswallows later in the year.

Larger pieces of equipment will continue to be collected from people’s homes by Medequip.

You can find more information about Derbyshire’s recycling centres, including opening times, here.