Residents are being called on to return unused daily living aids to prevent them going to waste and help give them a new lease of life.
The Council is holding a week-long take-back event on Monday 10 to Saturday 15 November at Windermere Library for residents to drop off their unused daily living aids so they can be reused to help others in need.
If you have unwanted community equipment such as commodes, toilet frames, bed levers, over-bed tables, or shower chairs, now’s the perfect time to return it. The council’s Waste and Community Equipment Services have teamed up to encourage people to return valuable equipment rather than let it go to waste. Once collected, all items will be cleaned, sanitised, and made ready for reuse, helping others in need while reducing unnecessary waste.
The drop-off point is Windermere Library, Ellerthwaite Road, LA23 2AJ, which can also be found using what3words at ///trading.priced.outwards. The event will run during library opening hours - 9.30am to 1pm on Monday, 9.30am to 5pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturday. The library is closed on a Wednesday and Sunday.
Returning equipment is quick and easy. It frees up space in your home while directly supporting those who need it most. The council has held similar events over the past year, with the last one in April seeing 36 items returned in just one day. This latest event provides a convenient, central location in the South Lakeland area for people to return equipment they no longer need.
Walking aids, including crutches, should still be returned to your local hospital. Details on how to do this can be found on the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust website.
For any queries, contact the Community Equipment Service on 0300 373 2726 or email equipment.service@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity, and Environmental Services, said:
“Many people may have community equipment they no longer need and aren’t sure what to do with. This event offers a simple, convenient way to return these valuable items so they can help someone else. By taking part, you’re not just clearing space, you’re supporting people to stay independent in their homes.
“Reusing equipment also reduces waste and demand for new materials, helping to cut carbon emissions and protect our environment. Don’t let unused equipment go to waste. Bring it along, give it back, and help us give it new life.”
Councillor Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, added:
“Across the country, many people are struggling to access the essential equipment they need to stay active and independent. By making it easier to return items like commodes, shower stools and over-bed tables in a good, clean condition, we can ensure more people get the support they need to continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes.”
