Could the UK be more sustainable in recycling 'disability' equipment?
By Susanna Davies, 2 March 2026
Fellow's Profile
Susanna Davies
Fellow's Profile
Susanna Davies
Could the UK be more sustainable in recycling disability equipment?
Fellowship
- Themes
- Focus
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Investigating routes to improved sustainability of disability equipment
- Countries
- Fellowship year
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2024
- Locality
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South West
Contact
Biography
I am an occupational therapist (OT) whose current role is Quality Manager Expert Witness for Keystone Case Management. In my own time, I am a trustee for charities working overseas supporting people with disabilities.
Through my occupations, I am aware of the extensive waste of disability equipment into UK landfill. While localised efforts within health, social care and the charitable sector exist, these are generally limited and disjointed. There is some benefit to overseas charities through transportation of unwanted equipment. However, it is intriguing and concerning as to why the UK is not recycling or reusing more to reduce any impact on the climate and reduce cost.
Through this Fellowship, I wish to identify barriers to poor reuse, clarify routes for improved recycling and make practical suggestions for a UK-wide change to current practice. It may include scoping a refurbishment project which could provide vocational opportunities for disabled people. I also hope that equipment suppliers can be challenged to adopt a more sustainable approach to their activities, and the health and social care sectors be actively encouraged to help the NHS achieve its net zero targets.
Ideas
Acknowledgements
The International Restoration Centre El Salvador, Joni & Friends, GAiN The Netherlands, Brookwood Community, Kommsyn Stockholm, Mission and Relief The Netherlands, Medequip, Medux
Disclaimer
All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.
Ideas
Could the UK be more sustainable in recycling 'disability' equipment?
By Susanna Davies, 2 March 2026
Acknowledgements
The International Restoration Centre El Salvador, Joni & Friends, GAiN The Netherlands, Brookwood Community, Kommsyn Stockholm, Mission and Relief The Netherlands, Medequip, Medux
Disclaimer
All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.
