Are crutches single use? A guide to reusing, donating, and recycling mobility aids

September 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to NHS England, reusing a refurbished walking aid is on average 98% lower in carbon emissions than using a new one, clearly indicating that crutches are not single use and should not be discarded after one person's recovery. The practice of reusing and refurbishing these devices offers significant environmental and financial benefits while providing essential mobility support to others.

Quick Summary

Crutches are durable medical devices designed for multiple uses and are not single-use products. They can be safely reused after thorough cleaning and inspection, and are often collected by hospitals and charities for redistribution. This practice helps reduce healthcare waste, cut costs, and improve access to mobility aids for those in need.

Key Points

Durable, Not Disposable: Crutches are robust medical devices designed for multiple uses, not a single patient.
Clean and Inspect Before Reuse: Proper sanitization and a safety check for damage, loose parts, and worn rubber tips are crucial before reusing any crutch.
Donation Reduces Waste: Many hospitals and charities accept used crutches, which helps reduce medical waste and provide equipment to those who need it most.
Significant Environmental Savings: Reusing a refurbished crutch has a much lower carbon footprint than manufacturing a new one, as shown by NHS studies.
Economic Benefits: Crutch reuse programs, like those run by the military, can save healthcare systems thousands of dollars annually.
Consider Alternatives: For long-term use or specific injuries, alternatives like knee scooters or hands-free crutches are also reusable options.
Worn Parts Signal Danger: Check rubber tips and handles for wear; damaged or worn components can compromise safety and require replacement.

The surprising truth about crutch reusability

Contrary to a common misconception, crutches are not designed for a single person's use before being discarded. In reality, they are durable, long-lasting medical devices built to be safely and effectively reused multiple times. Many factors contribute to the feasibility and benefits of reusing crutches, including their robust construction, the ease of sanitization, and the significant positive impact on the environment and healthcare costs.

The environmental and economic benefits of reuse

When crutches are thrown away after a single use, they contribute to landfill waste, with the aluminum or steel components requiring energy-intensive processes to produce new replacements. In contrast, reuse programs, such as those implemented by the Department of Defense (DOD) during a crutch shortage, have demonstrated major cost savings and waste reduction.

By embracing reuse, individuals and healthcare systems can save money and reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, the DOD reported cost savings of approximately $34,000 to $50,000 from reusing crutches at military treatment facilities. This is not an isolated case, as other health systems have also documented substantial savings by collecting and refurbishing walking aids.

Reusing vs. Buying New Crutches


Aspect	Reusing Crutches	Buying New Crutches
Cost	Free or minimal cost (if buying used).	Higher upfront cost for purchase.
Environmental Impact	Significantly lower carbon footprint by diverting waste from landfills.	Contributes to manufacturing emissions and landfill waste.
Accessibility	Increases availability for those who cannot afford new equipment.	Can be a financial burden for low-income or uninsured individuals.
Availability	Dependent on the success of local donation or return programs.	Readily available from medical supply stores and online retailers.
Customization	Limited; may not have latest features.	Full customization with a wider range of options and accessories.

The process of properly reusing crutches

To ensure a crutch is safe for a new user, a thorough process of cleaning, disinfecting, and inspecting is essential. This is a standard procedure in hospital and charity reuse programs.

Cleaning and Disinfection Steps:

Gather supplies, including protective gloves, a mild, non-abrasive detergent, and a hospital-approved disinfectant.
Wipe down the entire crutch with a mild detergent solution to remove any loose dirt and debris.
Pay special attention to high-contact areas, such as the handgrips and underarm pads.
After cleaning, apply the disinfectant to all surfaces and allow them to air dry completely.
If rubber tips are particularly dirty, they can be removed, washed, and dried thoroughly before being reattached.

Safety Inspection Checklist:

Check for damage: Inspect the aluminum or steel tubing for any bends, dents, or signs of stress.
Verify functionality: Ensure that the push-button adjustment mechanisms work properly and that all bolts and rivets are firm and secure.
Examine rubber tips: The rubber tips on the bottom of the crutches are crucial for traction. Check them daily and replace them if they are worn, split, or damaged.
Confirm cuff security: For forearm crutches, make sure the arm cuffs are not too spread or loose.
Inspect handgrips: Check for any damage or looseness in the handgrips, as a loose grip can be a stability risk.

What to do with your old crutches

Once you no longer need your mobility aid, you have several responsible options to ensure it doesn't end up in a landfill. These methods benefit others and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.

Donate to charities: Organizations like Project C.U.R.E., Goodwill, and the Salvation Army often accept gently used medical equipment. Non-profits may redistribute these items to underserved communities locally or globally. It's a good practice to call ahead and confirm their needs and acceptance policy. For specific donation guidelines, you can check with Project C.U.R.E. regarding their Donate Medical Equipment & Supplies program.
Return to a hospital or clinic: Some hospitals and physical therapy clinics have established reuse programs where they collect used equipment, sanitize it, and make it available to future patients.
Sell them: For crutches in good condition, you can sell them through online marketplaces like Craigslist, where you may recover a portion of the original cost.
Recycle faulty equipment: If crutches are damaged beyond safe reuse, their metal components (often aluminum or steel) can still be recycled as scrap metal.

Alternatives to traditional crutches

For those seeking different mobility solutions, several alternatives exist that can be more suitable depending on the injury and required duration of use. These options are also not single-use and can be reused or resold after your recovery.

Knee Scooters (or Knee Walkers): These wheeled devices allow a user to rest their injured leg on a padded platform, using the uninjured leg for propulsion. They can be more comfortable and stable than crutches for below-the-knee injuries.
Hands-Free Crutches: Devices like the iWALK provide hands-free mobility by strapping the injured leg to a platform, allowing for greater independence.
Forearm (Lofstrand) Crutches: Unlike underarm crutches, these have a cuff that fits around the forearm, placing less pressure on the armpit and reducing the risk of nerve damage (crutch palsy).

Conclusion: Moving towards a more sustainable medical system

The notion that crutches are single use is an outdated one, born out of convenience rather than necessity or responsible practice. The evidence is clear: reusing crutches, after proper cleaning and safety inspection, is a viable, safe, and beneficial practice. By choosing to reuse, donate, or sell your crutches, you not only help someone in need but also contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system, saving resources and reducing waste. Before discarding this valuable medical equipment, consider its potential to aid another person's recovery and its contribution to a greener planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can safely reuse crutches from someone you know, but it is crucial to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces first. You must also perform a safety inspection to ensure they are in good working condition, paying special attention to the rubber tips and adjustable parts.

Many hospitals and clinics, like those in the military's Defense Health Agency, have established programs to collect, sanitize, and refurbish used crutches for redistribution. This practice helps save resources and reduce medical waste.

Not necessarily. Proper disinfection procedures using hospital-approved products can make reused crutches just as sanitary as new ones. The environmental and cost benefits of reuse often outweigh the need for a brand new pair.

You can donate your crutches to a variety of organizations, including charities like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or Project C.U.R.E.. It's always best to call local collection points beforehand to confirm they accept medical equipment donations.

Signs of an unsafe crutch include bent or damaged tubing, loose or missing bolts, misshapen adjustment holes, and badly worn-out or split rubber tips. Worn tips can significantly increase the risk of slipping.

Alternatives to traditional crutches include forearm (Lofstrand) crutches, knee scooters, and hands-free crutches like the iWALK. These can sometimes offer more comfort or stability depending on the injury.

Yes, you can sell gently used crutches on local online marketplaces or social media sites. You may be able to recover a portion of the original cost. Make sure to clean them thoroughly beforehand to make them more appealing to a new buyer.