"The Common Sense of Re-Employment
Chaired by Sylvie Joviado, the association Le bon sens du Ré-Emploi reconditions medical equipment, mainly technical aids.
As part of the Hérault department's "Recycled34" scheme, the association collects unused equipment free of charge from private individuals and health and social care establishments.
A new lease of life for medical aids
Wheelchairs, walkers, the association also collects a stocking threader, a curved cutlery set, a patient lift, shower chairs and telephones with large buttons. By 2023, the association had succeeded in reusing 40% of the equipment collected. " The idea for us is to offer second-hand, reconditioned equipment for sale, hire or loan, restored to good working order according to suppliers' and manufacturers' specifications. When this unused equipment comes into the workshop, we already sort it to determine whether or not it can be reused, " explains Sylvie Joviado. The remaining 60% is dismantled and recycled in the appropriate channels.
An ecological and economic impact
This activity reduces environmental impact and preserves natural resources by extending the life of medical equipment. " It's an activity that should be highlighted in a facility's CSR approach, because it's part of a responsible purchasing policy," continues Sylvie Joviado. " More and more nursing homes are calling on us. For these structures, the care budget is allocated to the purchase of this equipment. The economic benefits are clear, since our equipment costs an average of 40% of the price of new, and comes with an after-sales service guarantee.
A response to unmet needs
Every year, around 25,000 technical aids are discarded in the Hérault region. " All this equipment, reimbursed at 100%, partially or not at all by Social Security, ends up in the garbage can, despite a study showing that 43% of technical aid needs are not covered in France. The association is responding to an essential need ," adds Sylvie Joviado.
A project that makes sense
In 2023, the association collected 20 tonnes of equipment, representing around 1,400 technical aids. With similar structures existing in 30 to 40 departments in France, the "Le bon sens du Ré-Emploi" model has the potential to be widely adopted, offering a valuable solution for private individuals and medical/social and health establishments.