A pioneering partnership in Norfolk has been recognised on the national stage, with the Walking Aid Recycling Scheme nominated for the Social Value Award at the National Recycling Awards (NRAs). The initiative brings together Norfolk County Council, the NHS, HM Prison and Probation Service, and Norse Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) to give used walking aids a new lease of life—delivering both environmental and social benefits.
The scheme allows residents to recycle unwanted walking aids at any of Norfolk’s 19 recycling centres. Hospitals including the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and the James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth have already seen hundreds of items returned. The equipment is then transferred to HMP Norwich, where prisoners are trained to refurbish and clean the aids before they are sent back to the NHS for reuse with new patients.
Councillor 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.”
In just the first nine months, the scheme helped avoid almost 16,000kg of CO2e emissions—the equivalent of driving 29,000 miles. Beyond the environmental gains, the programme provides vital skills training and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates, while ensuring the NHS benefits from a cost-effective, sustainable supply of refurbished equipment. James Laurens, Industries Manager at HMP Norwich, added: “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 National Recycling Awards, run by Materials Recycling World (MRW), are the UK’s leading celebration of innovation and achievement in the recycling and resource management sector. Categories range from Digital Innovation and Circular Economy Initiative to the Social Value Award, which specifically recognises projects that deliver measurable benefits to communities, improve skills, and demonstrate how business and public services can be a force for good. This year’s awards are supported by a number of industry leaders, including Fairport—the UK’s first and largest specialist in container refurbishment and waste management services.
Fairport, founded over 32 years ago, has grown from a family-run business into a nationwide operator with depots in Lancashire and Somerset, a fleet of 15 specialist HGVs, and more than 100 staff. The company provides a full circular solution for waste management and public sector clients, extending the lifespan of container fleets, improving safety, and reducing environmental impact. Holding triple ISO certification in Quality, Environmental Management, and Occupational Health and Safety, Fairport is recognised as a leader in sustainable waste solutions and innovation.
