Published 6 February 2023 · Last updated 25 August 2026
Individuals who struggle with movement often use assistive devices such as crutches. However, if they grow better or discover other methods to move about, they’ll likely find themselves with a set of crutches that they no longer use. This article will discuss what to do with crutches that are no longer required and the many available options for removing or reusing them.
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| Disposing of Crutches | Method | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Donation | Give to medical facilities, rehabilitation centres, charitable organisations. | Check if your local recycling centre accepts used medical equipment |
| Recycling | A useful and selfless way to support community organisations | Check if your local recycling center accepts used medical equipment |
| Repurpose | Transform into a functional and decorative item | Utilize creativity and essential skills |
| Selling | Sell online to those who need them | List condition, age, and necessary information before selling |
Note: Always check local regulations before disposing of any medical equipment.
Donation:
Donating crutches to a nearby medical facility, rehabilitation centre, or charitable organisation is one of the most useful and selfless methods for the organisation of crutches. These groups often need gently used medical equipment and may be able to put the crutches to good use in the community by assisting those less fortunate.
Recycling:
Some recycling organisations and organisations lie, and organisations take crutches. Several metal recycling facilities will take crutches constructed of aluminium or steel. Check with the recycling centre in your area to see whether they take in used medical supplies and equipment.
Repurpose:
You might repurpose your old crutches into something different if you have a creative spirit and want to exercise some creativity and originality. You may put them to use as a plant stand, coat rack, bookshelf support, or even build your furniture as part of a do-it-yourself project. Your old crutches may be transformed into something that serves a function and looks beautiful doing it with only a little ingenuity and some essential skills.
Selling:
You can also sell your old crutches to those who need them. Several online marketplaces allow you to sell medical equipment, including crutches. Be sure to list the condition, age, and any necessary information about the crutches before listing them for sale.
Always check with your local authorities and regulations before disposing of any medical equipment.
What To Do With Old Crutches UK?
If you have old crutches that you no longer need or want, here are some options for what you can do with them in the UK:
- Donate to charity: There are several charities and non-profit organisations in the UK that accept donated crutches, such as the British Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or local hospices. These charities will then distribute the crutches to individuals in need.
- Return to the NHS: If your crutches were provided to you by the National Health Service (NHS), you could return them to your local NHS hospital or clinic. The NHS can then clean and refurbish the crutches for other patients to reuse.
- Recycle: If your crutches are metal, you can recycle them. Check with your local council to see if they accept crutches or if any recycling centres in your area accept metal items.
- Sell or give away: If your crutches are still in good condition, you can sell or give them to someone who may need them. Try listing them on online classified sites, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or offering them free on local community groups or websites.
- Dispose of properly: If your crutches are damaged or cannot be reused, dispose of them properly. Check with your local council to see if they accept crutches or if any disposal centres in your area accept medical equipment.
Overall, there are several options for disposing of old crutches in the UK, including donating them to charity, returning them to the NHS, recycling them, selling or giving them away, or disposing of them properly.
The bottom line
When you no longer need your crutches, you have several alternatives for getting rid of them or finding another use. By giving them away, recycling them, finding another use, or selling them, you may contribute to ensuring that your used crutches are put to good use and do not wind up in a landfill. Always keep in mind the norms and guidelines established by your local authorities and ensure that you adhere to them appropriately.
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- Crutch Buying Guide – A guide to choosing the right crutches for your condition and comfort.
- What to Do with Your Mobility Scooter – Tips for making the most of your mobility scooter when transitioning away from crutches.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do with crutches I no longer need?
If they came from the NHS, return them, because most hospitals and physiotherapy departments want them back and reissue them. If you bought them, charity shops, equipment reuse schemes and community groups will often take them.
Does the NHS actually want them back?
Yes. Crutches are routinely reissued after cleaning and checking, and hospitals run collection points precisely because so many pairs sit in sheds. Returning them costs you a trip and saves them buying more.
Can I sell them?
You can, and be honest about the condition, particularly the ferrules and the handgrips. Anybody buying crutches is going to put their weight on them, so a worn pair is not a bargain for them.
What if they are damaged?
Do not pass on anything with a bent shaft, a cracked cuff or a seized adjustment. Aluminium can be recycled at a household waste site, and it is better than a damaged pair being reused by somebody who does not check.
Should I keep them just in case?
One pair, perhaps, if storage is not a problem, since injuries recur. Beyond that they are taking up space and somebody else needs them now, which is the more useful outcome.
Where else takes mobility equipment?
Equipment reuse charities, some hospices, and organisations that ship equipment overseas. Ring first, because what each accepts varies a great deal and a wasted trip puts people off donating again.
Published 6 February 2023 · Last updated 25 August 2026