UNWANTED health support equipment can now be dropped off at Wokingham and Reading recycling centres.
Crutches, walking sticks, shower stools and other lifestyle items can all be dropped off at re3 sites, where they will be cleaned, safety checked and made available for someone else in the borough who needs them.
Residents across Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough are being encouraged to check their homes for any health and social care equipment, provided by Millbrook Healthcare or NRS Healthcare, that is no longer needed and return it for re-use to support others in the local community.
Two local recycling centres now have designated containers for small items of support equipment.
Residents are asked to ensure that all items have a suitable identification sticker and are clean before dropping them off.
Many households may have equipment that was once essential during a period of illness, injury or recovery, but is now no longer needed.
Common items include crutches, walking sticks, walking frames, shower stools, pressure cushions and raised toilet seats.
Instead of being stored away or discarded, these items can now be returned for reuse through a dedicated scheme at the re3 Recycling Centres on Longshot Lane, Bracknell and Island Road, Reading.
Once returned, the equipment is passed to Millbrook Healthcare, the local community equipment provider.
Each item undergoes a thorough process of safety checking, repair where needed, and full cleaning and sanitisation before being reissued.
This ensures that equipment can continue to support other residents who need it, often at short notice.
In a joint re3 statement: Cllr Finn McGoldrick, Chair of the re3 Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety; Cllr Stephen Newton, Vice-Chair of the re3 Joint Waste Disposal Board and Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Refuse and Recycling and Cllr Ryan Frost, Bracknell Forest Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said:
“We’re encouraging residents to check their homes and return any support equipment they no longer need.
“Having the right equipment at the right time can make a huge difference to someone’s recovery, confidence and ability to stay independent at home.
“By returning unused items, residents can help ensure essential equipment is available to support someone else through a difficult time, while also freeing up space at home.
“Reusing this equipment helps reduce waste, save money for councils and the NHS, and makes the best use of valuable resources.
“This initiative is also a strong example of how waste and recycling services can work alongside social care and health departments to deliver more joined-up, efficient services that benefit our communities.”
re3 can take: walking sticks, frames, rollators, raised toilet seats, toilet frames and commodes, shower/perch stools, bed grab handles, pressure cushions, bathing equipment and trolleys.
Not accepted by re3 are: dressings, medicines, sharps, incontinence products, tubes and pumps, or electrical care equipment.
Larger items: For people unable to visit the re3 recycling centres, Millbrook Healthcare offers a free home collection service, including for larger items such as beds and chairs.
Residents can book a visit to the re3 Recycling Centre on Longshot Lane, Bracknell or Island Road, Reading, via: re3.fccenvironment.co.uk
