With advances in modern medicine, many Americans die with expensive medical implants, prosthetic devices, medical equipment, and prescription drugs. Why not recycle them and help someone else? While implanted devices, prosthetics, and prescription drugs cannot be re-used in the U.S., some organizations make them available for re-use in developing countries. Medical equipment and some medical supplies can be donated for use within the U.S.
Crematories routinely remove pacemakers and defibrillators prior to cremation. Artificial joints are typically made of valuable metals and survive the cremation process. The organizations below recycle these medical items to benefit others.
Alternative Solutions is a nonprofit organization that recycles the metal from orthopedic implants and dental prosthetics and donates the proceeds to a local charity.
Project My Heart Your Heart through the University of Michigan's Cardiovascular Center conducts research on the re-implantation of pacemakers in a second recipient. It accepts pacemakers donations to use in its program.
The Amputee Coalition provides information regarding several organizations that recycle prosthetic devices for use overseas, often by landmine victims.
The Hearing Speech and Deafness Center accepts the donation of used hearing aids, then refurbishes and sanitizes them for use by people who cannot afford to purchase a new one.
The Lions Clubs of Washington and Northern Idaho accepts donated hearing aids to be refurbished and sanitized for use by people in need.
The Washington Lions Club has an Eyeglass Recycling Center that accepts the donation of used eyeglasses to be reused overseas.
Take Back Your Meds is a Washington State program to help you properly dispose of unused medications, including narcotics.
