Staffordshire Council and local charity's joint project finalist for National Recycling Awards

Grace Cares, a Lichfield-based charity, and Staffordshire County Council have announced that their innovative Medicycle scheme is a finalist for Campaign of the Year at the National Recycling Awards.

The Medicycle initiative, which focuses on recycling pre-loved care equipment, is up against strong competition, including Veolia, Serco, and Sandwell Council.

Medicycle, a partnership between Grace Cares and Staffordshire County Council, aims to give unwanted care items such as walking aids, bathroom equipment, profiling beds, rise and recline chairs and commodes a new lease on life.

These items can be donated at any of Staffordshire’s 13 household waste recycling centres.

Grace Cares then takes on the responsibility of cleaning, repairing, and refurbishing the equipment to ensure that it is safe and ready for someone new to use.

Emma Smith, co-founder at Grace Cares, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Staffordshire County Council on this fantastic initiative.

“It not only supports a valuable service for individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford these items but also makes a significant impact on reducing waste.

“By diverting perfectly usable equipment from landfill, we are helping the environment and making a difference in people’s lives.”

The Medicycle scheme focuses on building a greener future and making care sustainable.

By keeping usable equipment out of landfills, the initiative supports Staffordshire County Council’s broader environmental goals, including the commitment to becoming net zero by 2050.

Gemma Wall, waste minimisation project support officer at Staffordshire County Council, added: “We believe that even small changes, like this recycling initiative, can make a big difference.

“Medicycle is just one of the many ways we are working towards a more sustainable future. The nomination for the National Recycling Awards is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved and the positive impact of this scheme.”

Both Grace Cares and Staffordshire County Council express their gratitude for the support of the local community and encourage everyone to continue donating any unwanted care aids to the collection points.