Walking Aid Recycling Scheme Nominated for Recycling Award
A partnership between Norfolk County Council, the NHS, HM Prison and Probation Service, and Norse Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) has been recognised by the prestigious National Recycling Awards.
The Walking Aid Recycling Programme has been nominated for the Social Value Award in the education, training and development category. The scheme allows people who have an old walking aid at home and no longer need it to recycle it at one of Norfolk’s 19 recycling centres. Local hospitals the NNUH in Norwich and James Paget in Great Yarmouth have already seen hundreds of walking aids handed over. The aids are then given to prisoners at HMP Norwich who help to refurbish and clean the equipment before the aids are delivered back to the NHS to be used by new patients.
Cllr James Bensly, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for environment and waste said: “It’s great to see the hard work of our fantastic Recycling Team, in partnership with NEWS, being recognised. This has been a hugely successful initiative which sees three Norfolk institutions working together for the good of the community.”
The scheme also has great environmental benefits, in the first 9 months of the scheme, almost 16000kg CO2e emissions have been avoided, which is the equivalent to driving 29,023 miles.
People who have an old walking aid at home and no longer need it can take them to their nearest recycling centre. There are 19 recycling centres across Norfolk. There is no need to book an appointment to leave a walking aid at one of the council’s reuse shops. Patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn can return their walking aids directly to the hospital’s Outpatient Department.
James Laurens, Industries Manager at HMPPS Norwich said, “This initiative has been truly transformative, not only are we giving walking aids a second life, but we’re also helping individuals build the skills and confidence they need for a new start. It’s a win for the community, the environment and rehabilitation.”
The winners of the National Recycling Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Tuesday 25 November 2025.
You can see find out more about the awards at MRW National Recycling Awards 2025.
To find your nearest recycling centre visit the Norfolk County Council website
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