In the UK, we are somewhat fortunate, hearing aids are freely available at point of service, from the NHS, anyone whom has a hearing loss, can ask for a referral to see an NHS Audioligist, the service is free, and so are the aids they dispense, recyclable aids would be perhaps pointless on this side of the pond? Not to mention for those with old NHS aids, I believe these are still the property of the NHS…… Technically hearing aids, are not free as such in the UK, if you are working, we pay NI (National Insurance), basically I pay around the equivalent of 400 USD per month, (But, the more you earn, the more you pay) this covers all health issues, not just hearing, plus you get the government OAP (Old Age Pension) at 66 years old, approximately 900 USD per month, tis not a perfect system, but if you are ill, or needing aids, you will be looked after…. In most instances, the aids from the NHS will be new, but the technology in them will be dated, maybe 2/3/or4 years HA’s, hence why some of UK residents buy their own, occasionally the NHS AuD will purchase aids with far newer “Technology”depending on circumstances, or level of loss? Cheers Kev