Unused medical supplies, such as catheters, syringes, and wound care items, often go to waste when patients no longer need them. Instead of throwing them away, there are several ways to ensure they serve a purpose—whether through donation, recycling, repurposing, or safe disposal. Below, we explore the best ways to handle these items responsibly.

1. Donating to Organizations in Need

Many nonprofit organizations accept donations of medical supplies and redistribute them to individuals or communities in need, both domestically and internationally.

National and International Donation Options

If you want to donate your supplies, consider these organizations:

• Loving Home Healthcare Association (LHWA) – Based here in Houston, this organization helps distribute medical supplies to people in need. While they primarily serve Texas, they also accept and process donations from other locations.

• Project C.U.R.E. – One of the largest distributors of donated medical supplies worldwide, Project C.U.R.E. provides much-needed materials to underserved hospitals and clinics across the globe.

• MedShare – A nonprofit that collects surplus medical supplies and redistributes them to healthcare facilities in low-income communities around the world.

• Hospitals of Hope – A Christian nonprofit organization that accepts medical supply donations and helps distribute them internationally.

• Samaritan’s Purse – This faith-based organization provides medical aid and emergency relief worldwide and accepts a variety of medical supplies.

Local Donation Options

If you're looking to donate closer to home, try these options:

• Churches and Religious Organizations – Many churches have outreach programs that distribute medical supplies to people in need, either locally or in missions abroad.

• Hospitals and Clinics – Some hospitals, especially nonprofit or faith-based ones, accept medical supply donations for their charity programs. Call ahead to verify their policies.

• Community Health Centers – Free clinics and local health centers often accept unused medical supplies to assist patients without insurance.

• Veterans' Organizations – Some veterans' groups collect and redistribute medical supplies to former military personnel who need assistance.

• Senior Centers and Assisted Living Facilities – These locations may accept catheters and other medical supplies to help elderly residents in need.

• Local Nonprofits – There are many nonprofits that specialize in medical supply donations, you can do a quick search for “local medical supply donation” or “where can I donate unused medical supplies near me”. 
  
  

2. Recycling and Safe Disposal

If donation isn’t an option, recycling is the next best choice. Many medical supplies are made from recyclable materials like plastic and silicone, making them suitable for proper disposal rather than landfill waste.

Recycling Options

• Contact Local Recycling Centers – Some recycling centers accept medical-grade plastics, such as tubing and packaging. Call ahead to check their guidelines.

• Check with Medical Supply Manufacturers – Some companies have take-back programs for used or surplus medical supplies. For example, Hollister and Coloplast offer recycling services for certain products.

• TerraCycle – This program specializes in hard-to-recycle materials, including some medical supplies. Visit their website to see if they accept your items.

Safe Disposal Options

If an item can’t be donated or recycled, it should be disposed of properly to prevent contamination or harm to the environment.

• Follow FDA Guidelines – The FDA provides recommendations for disposing of medical supplies, especially those that might contain biohazards.

• Use a Sharps Disposal Program – If you have needles, syringes, or lancets, locate a sharps disposal drop-off location near you. Many pharmacies, hospitals, and health departments offer this service.

• Municipal Hazardous Waste Facilities – Some local governments have hazardous waste collection programs where you can safely dispose of medical supplies.

What NOT to Do:

🚫 Do not flush catheters or tubing down the toilet—they can clog pipes and harm water systems.
🚫 Do not place certain medical supplies with regular household waste unless permitted by local disposal laws.

3. Repurposing for Alternative Uses

Some unused medical supplies can be repurposed for non-medical uses. Here are a few creative ideas:

DIY and Crafting Uses

• Medical Tape for Arts and Crafts – Strong adhesive tapes used in medical settings work well for crafting or securing items around the house.

• Bandages for First-Aid Kits – Sterile bandages and gauze can be stored for emergency first-aid needs in vehicles, homes, or outdoor survival kits.

Educational Purposes

• Donate to Veterinary Clinics – Animal hospitals and rescue organizations sometimes accept medical supplies for treating animals.

• Give to Medical Training Programs – Nursing schools and first-aid training courses often need supplies like gloves, gauze, and syringes for student practice.

Final Thoughts

Instead of letting unused catheters and medical supplies go to waste, consider donating, recycling, repurposing, or safely disposing of them. Whether you're helping someone in need, protecting the environment, or finding a creative new use for these items, you can make a meaningful impact.

By choosing the best option for your situation, you ensure that these valuable medical resources continue to serve a purpose and benefit others.