What to Do With Old Medical Equipment

What do you do with old medical equipment you no longer need? 

The good news is that there are simple, safe, and even eco-friendly ways to dispose of it.

The bad news is that disposing of old medical equipment without following local guidelines, such as those of the state, could potentially lead to environmental consequences or fines. 

Here's how to dispose of medical equipment the right way:

1. Categorize It

Some types of medical equipment are more complex to dispose of than others. Wooden canes are fairly similar to household waste. However, you can't just throw away a hospital bed or a stairlift in the town or city dumpster, as the electrical components pose safety and environmental hazards.

Start by identifying and categorizing your durable medical equipment (DME) for disposal:

• Wheelchairs (manual and powered)

• Walkers and rollators

• Canes and crutches

• Hospital beds

• Stairlifts and chairlifts

• Lift chairs or recliners

• Oxygen tanks and concentrators

2. Research the Options

Once you have identified what type of medical equipment you have, research your options. Many common kinds of DME are accepted for donating or recycling. Others will need to be disposed of safely.

Here are some methods for donating or disposing of your medical equipment.

• Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs that are in moderate to good shape are often accepted through donation programs. Some thrift stores will take old wheelchairs. If your wheelchair is broken, contact your state environmental program to see how to dispose of it correctly or recycle the parts.

• Hospital beds: If you have an in-home hospital bed that's taking up space but is still in good working condition, contact an organization that will take it off your hands. Some of these organizations will advise you on a nearby drop-off center or even come to you to pick it up. If your hospital bed is broken, contact a state environmental program to learn how to dispose of it safely.

• Wheelchair lift or stairlift: Use a professional stairlift removal service if you have used medical equipment like a stairlift or wheelchair lift that you no longer need. Never try to remove a stairlift or wheelchair lift yourself, as this could cause serious human injury. Some mobility equipment suppliers will pay you to take lightly used stairlifts if they sell the same brand in their store. Several other organizations in Denver accept donated wheelchair lifts. 

• Walker, shower chairs, canes: If your walker, shower chair, or cane is in good working condition, donate this equipment. If any of the parts are broken, contact your state environmental program to learn how to dispose of or recycle parts.

• Oxygen tanks and concentrators: If you have an oxygen tank or concentrator that still works, contact an organization that will recycle your machine. If it's not working properly, contact local hazardous waste facilities to figure out the right way to dispose of it, such as bringing it to a drop-off center. Some scrap metal programs will accept donations of oxygen tanks, once they're safely depressurized.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and OSHA set and enforce strict regulations for managing hazardous waste, and each state has specific guidelines on how to dispose of medical waste and used medical equipment. Make sure you check out these guidelines before throwing out any type of second-hand DME. 

3. Clean and Disinfect It

It's common courtesy to make sure the used medical equipment you are donating is clean and disinfected. Cleaning and sterilizing your medical equipment also prevents the spread of contaminants like bacteria or viruses. For example, if you have an in-home hospital bed, you know how important it is to keep your hospital bed clean to prevent hygiene-related complications.

Most refurbished medical equipment goes through a rigorous cleaning and sterilization process before it is allowed to be sold. Out of respect, however, it's best to be considerate before donating your medical equipment to others.

Some supplies to properly clean your equipment are:

• EPA hospital-grade disinfectant wipes

• Non-abrasive sponges

• Warm soap and water without any harmful chemicals

• Alcohol with 70% isopropyl alcohol (better for disinfecting)

• Cotton balls to clean hard-to-reach places

4. Use Professional Disposal Services

Use a professional disposal service when you are unsure about how to dispose of medical equipment and devices. If your equipment is broken or beyond repair, it won't be safe for another human to use it.

It's best to access a company that knows how to safely dispose of medical equipment. These specialists are versed in the safe handling of old medical equipment and give you documentation like certificates of destruction to keep you compliant with the law.

Don’t Let Old Medical Equipment Collect Dust

Old medical equipment takes up a lot of space, especially if it's been sitting around for a while. Don't let it collect any more dust; there are plenty of organizations and services that will help you make the right choice on how to dispose of your equipment.

Here's a summary of tips to deal with your old, malfunctioning, or broken medical equipment:

• Identify what type of medical equipment you have. Some examples are wheelchairs, walkers, and stairlifts.

• Follow state laws and contact your local environmental programs to ensure you are disposing of your equipment correctly and legally.

• Check donation options first to see if any local organizations will accept your medical equipment as a second-hand donation.

• Clean and sanitize the equipment before donating, recycling, or rehoming it. This shows respect and common courtesy towards the person who will receive it.

• Hire a professional to dismantle and/or take medical equipment away safely.

Don’t keep old medical equipment hanging around your house if you don't intend to use it. It's best to move it on safely and efficiently. You’ll free up space in your house and potentially help someone else out in the process!