Residents in Wokingham and neighbouring boroughs can now hand in surplus mobility and personal care items at two designated recycling points, as councils aim to boost reuse and support people who need equipment at short notice.
What can be dropped off and where
The scheme covers a range of small items commonly used in health and social care. Items accepted for re-use include:
- Crutches and walking sticks
- Walking frames
- Shower stools and raised toilet seats
- Pressure cushions and similar lifestyle aids
Drop-off points are located at the re3 recycling centres on Longshot Lane, Bracknell and Island Road, Reading. Each site has a marked container specifically for small support equipment.
How the items will be processed
Returned equipment will be handed to Millbrook Healthcare, the local community equipment provider, which carries out a programme of inspection, repair where necessary, and thorough cleaning and sanitisation before reissuing items to other residents.
| Action | Responsible organisation |
|---|---|
| Collection at recycling centres | re3 (Bracknell, Reading, Wokingham councils) |
| Safety checks, repairs and sanitisation | Millbrook Healthcare |
Who should consider returning items
Local households are being asked to look through cupboards, garages and sheds for equipment that was once essential during an illness, recovery or injury but is now surplus to requirements. The councils specifically recommend that items are clean and carry a suitable identification sticker before being dropped off.
“We’re encouraging residents to check their homes and return any support equipment they no longer need.”
The appeal was made in a joint statement from representatives of the three councils involved in the re3 partnership. The initiative is presented as both an environmental measure—reducing waste by promoting reuse—and a practical way of ensuring timely access to equipment for other residents who may require it.
Practical points for residents
- Ensure items are reasonably clean before delivery to the recycling site.
- Attach any identification labels if the equipment was originally provided by Millbrook Healthcare or NRS Healthcare.
- Bring only small items; larger items or those needing complex refurbishment may not be accepted through these containers.
By diverting serviceable equipment away from landfill and back into local circulation, the scheme aims to make better use of resources while offering a low-cost option for people who need short-term or replacement equipment. Residents in Wokingham with surplus mobility aids now have a straightforward way to contribute to that effort.
