Tons of medical equipment saved from landfill
PA MediaA scheme to prevent medical equipment ending up in landfill has saved the NHS £90,000, a local authority says.
Durham County Council was the first in north-east England to launch a scheme of its kind, and said it prevented nearly eight tonnes of equipment from being thrown out in a year.
Special containers are at 12 council-run tips, which have collected 4,300 items so far.
Items people can leave include walking frames, crutches and mobility aids. The scheme was launched in 2023 by the then Lib Dem-led council.
James Gilchrist, the authority's head of environment, said the scheme had brought essential medical items to more residents.
"Strong public support has demonstrated a demand for this service," he said.
The items are collected by Medequip, the council's partner in the scheme, and loaned to people who need them.
The equipment was safety tested and sterilised before it reached users, the council said.
The now Reform-led council won an award at the National Recycling Awards 2025 for the initiative, in partnership with Medequip and HW Martin Waste.
