West Sussex residents can give a new lease of life to care equipment that is no longer needed by taking unused items to any of the council’s Recycling Centres.
Drop-off points have been introduced at all sites across the county in a joint initiative between West Sussex County Council’s Community Equipment Service, West Sussex Recycles and Millbrook Healthcare.
Items that can be refurbished and reused will boost availability and help people who are recovering or who need extra help to stay living independently in their own homes.
Reusing and recycling equipment is better for the environment, reduces the need for new equipment to be produced, and reduces our carbon footprint.
Councillor Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “There are many people who would benefit from borrowing pieces of care and mobility equipment which others may no longer need.
“This equipment can make a huge difference to people’s everyday lives, and it supports the aim of our adult social care strategy to give them more independence in their own homes as well Our Council Plan priorities of making best use of resources and helping people to fulfil their potential.
“I’d urge anyone with equipment they no longer need to return it and help us to help others who might benefit from its use.
“However, please don’t return anything that you are still using as we would never want to put anyone at risk by asking them to return something they still need.”
The full list of items which can be returned, if no longer needed, includes:
- Walking sticks and crutches – all kinds
- Walking frames – all kinds
- Rollators (walking aids with wheels and seats)
- Stackable commodes
- Stackable perching stools
- Stackable toilet frames
- Toilet seat raisers
- Slings/slide sheets
Items that can’t be returned to the Recycling Centres include:
- Electrical items of care equipment
- Items of equipment that are unsuitable for refurbishment
- Larger equipment (eg, hospital style beds, hoists, etc)
If you have items that cannot be accepted at the Recycling Centres, you can contact community equipment provider Millbrook Healthcare by calling 0345 127 2931 between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday. You can also email westsussexcontactus@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk to arrange the safe collection of any items that are no longer needed.
Millbrook Healthcare will recycle any equipment that is not suitable for refurbishment and reuse.
To return acceptable items, please book an appointment to visit your local Recycling Centre. Bookings are easy to make and can be made on the day or up to two weeks in advance.
For more information on how to book as well as Recycling Centre opening days and times, please visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/RC
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