Spring cleaning with diabetes supplies

recycling bin

Like me, you probably have a diabetes supply drawer (unofficially) labeled with "I have no idea what to do with these." We recently asked a question to our Facebook community that read, "Spring is almost here! Are you planning to do some spring cleaning with your diabetes supplies?" and it sounded like the community had some of the same questions I had about best practices for disposing of these supplies. So what are you supposed to do with different diabetes supplies? 

When it comes to spring cleaning with diabetes supplies there are a few key things to keep in mind.

 

Recycling
 

Keep an eye on the symbols that appear on packages as these may provide guidance on whether or not you can recycle something. If there is a recycling symbol found on the package you should be able to recycle it. You may not have realized that there are many diabetes products that you can recycle such as test strip or infusion set boxes, infusion set cartons, protective plastic needles caps, and paper instructions for use, just to name a few. Check out this website to find a recycling center and local guidelines in your area.

 

Disposing of Needles
 

Most importantly, and possibly most common for people with diabetes, you need to be aware of how to properly dispose of needles. Needles should always be disposed of in a sharps container or container that can't be easily punctured like a sealed milk carton or laundry detergent bottle (although this might not be allowed where you live, so make sure to confirm what's allowed in your area first). Learn about your local regulations on throwing away needles.

 

Disposing of Electronic Waste
 

Electronic waste can range from an out of warranty CGM transmitter to a blood glucose meter that you don't use anymore. As a rule of thumb, most electronics should be placed in an electronic waste bin which can be found at an e-waste center.

 

Disposing of Expired Products
 

One downside to having full drawers with excess supplies is not being aware of expiration dates. Before you use something, take a quick glance at the box to make sure it is within the labeled timeframe for use. On Medtronic boxes, look for the hourglass symbol for the expiration date. If the product is expired, dispose of it based on your local regulations.

 

Donating

Insulin pump supplies and other diabetes supplies like insulin are prescription products. Although it would be nice to be able to share or give away any unused supplies you might have, remember that a valid prescription is needed from a healthcare professional for someone to be able to use these. There are some charitable organizations that can help navigate through this process, one of which is the Charles Ray Foundation

Remember that whether you can recycle, throw away, or donate your diabetes management products can vary from one place to another so make sure to do your own research on this topic because it can vary a lot! Don't know where to start? One of the best resources I recommend is the staff at your local doctor's office or pharmacy as they might be able to point you in the right direction. 

I hope my tips helped give you some direction so that you can spring clean your diabetes drawers. Speaking of spring cleaning, now it's my turn! Have any tips to share from your research on this topic? Let me know by leaving a comment!

 

[Originally published 2013-03-28. Updated 2024-03-20]

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Submitted by K. Van Pelt (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

How do I properly dispose of pump supplies such as used infusion sets and reservoirs?

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by K. Van Pelt (not verified)

Great question, K! All prescription products like infusion sets and reservoirs should be disposed of as medical waste. Check with your local pharmacy or provider’s office for more information specific to the area you live.

Submitted by Iris Ubides (not verified) on

In reply to by K. Van Pelt (not verified)

How do I disposed of some diabetic supplies !

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Iris Ubides (not verified)

Iris, diabetes should be disposed of as medical waste. You can check with your healthcare provider or local hospital for specifics.

Submitted by karen (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

How do I remove the needle from the Mio infusion set? I always get stabbed!!

Submitted by Sara Tilleskjor (not verified) on

In reply to by karen (not verified)

Hi Karen, I’m sorry to hear that. You may find this video on inserting the MiniMed Mio Infusion Set helpful - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwVdWFcq4Lg. If you’d like, I can also have someone from my team reach out to help and make sure all of your questions are answered.

Submitted by Tiffany Fitzgetad (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have found a bunch of expired insulin pump supplies , is there any where to bring it ?

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by Tiffany Fitzgetad (not verified)

Hi Tiffany. We recommend that you dispose of your expired glucose sensors in compliance with your local regulations for sharps disposal. You can also check with your local doctor’s office or pharmacy for more information.

Submitted by Trina Via (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

My name is Trina. I am a Type 1 diabetic. I am 39 years old, and I lost my job and ins. I cannot live without insulin. I have the MiniMed530G pump and I have 10 Paradigm Reserviors, and 6 MiniMed Mios sets left. I have tried alot of websits and calling all around and I cant seem to get any help or direction. I seen your face on here and read the post and I was hoping you could help me in anyways possible. My sugars are running in 500-600 range. Please anyone help me! Thank you for listening!

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by Trina Via (not verified)

Trina, I’m sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time, and understand this can be worrying. We do offer payment plans and financial assistance to those who meet certain requirements. I’ll have someone from my team reach out to you to discuss your options.

Submitted by Alan (not verified) on

In reply to by naomi.kingery@…

This information is incorrect. It depends on the state, but in most states, regular insulin is not prescription.
Most diabetic supplies such as monitors and strips are behind the counter, non prescription.

- from a pharmacist

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Alan (not verified)

Thanks for the clarification, Alan!

Submitted by Vicki Stevens (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thank you SO much for providing this information! I had been looking for a good non-profit to donate my father's remaining diabetes supplies to. Thanks to you, now these items will not go to waste.

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by Vicki Stevens (not verified)

You’re very welcome, Vicki! I’m glad you found this information helpful, and are able to donate your father’s extra diabetes supplies.

Submitted by Tammy Sanchez (not verified) on

In reply to by Vicki Stevens (not verified)

I have been searching for a non profit organization to donate my aunt's unused diabetic supplies. I would hate to dispose of supplies that could possibly help others. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanking you in advance.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Tammy Sanchez (not verified)

Tammy, offering to donate supplies is a great idea. Please reach out to your local JDRF or American Diabetes Association as they will likely be able to help. Or your Aunt's healthcare team might know of people in need.

Submitted by Karen (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I need a place in the Racine Wi. area to discard my lancets i have so many of them and don't know what to do with them most or all have expired

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Karen (not verified)

Hi Karen, you may check with your local pharmacy or health center or click on the link in the Recycling section of this blog and enter your zip code in to the safeneedledisposal.org website for a location near you.

I have donated extra Lancets and other odds & ends to our VA clinic. My hubby and I have diabetes. His is type 2 & mine type 1. I've been diabetic since 12/26/1960. Before the pump, I was taking up to 8 insulin shots. I have an allergy to some animal insulin. The 530G pump has made life so much better. This is the 4-6th pump I've used. I stopped using one when I almost died . I'm Asyptomatic and don't know if my glucose levels are up or down. The sensor is a real lifesaver for me. Thanks Medtronic .

It’s great to hear you’re doing well on insulin pump therapy, Dharlene. Keep up the good work!

Submitted by Barbara (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have some old expired unused glucose test strips, should I just throw them out or can I donate them to a facility or something.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Barbara (not verified)

Hi Barbara - We can only recommend and guarantee using supplies that are within their expiration date. Please reach out to your healthcare team or local doctor office as they might be able to provide you with some options.

Submitted by Sharon (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

My daughters paradigm 511 insulin pump is probably too old to donate. How do I dispose of it?

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Sharon (not verified)

Sharon, each state has different regulations so it's best to reach out to your disposal company. However, you might want to first check with your doctor's office on donating it.

Submitted by Jeanette Cervantes (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Hi i have alot of expured reservoirs and minimed quick set where doi dispose of them?

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Jeanette Cervantes (not verified)

Jeannette, you can dispose of them as medical waste, the same as you do your used supplies.

Submitted by C. G (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

What about the plastics that my sensors come packed in as well as the plastics that my quicksets are packed in?

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by C. G (not verified)

C.G. some of the packaging materials may also be recyclable. I encourage you to reach out to your local agency for specifics on what is eligible for recycling.

Submitted by John Powers (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have a ton of boxes of old glucose sensors. I never used them and with the my nee pup I have new sensors and trsmitter. How do I get rid of all these boxes of old expired sensors.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by John Powers (not verified)

Thanks for reaching out, John. Expired sensors should be disposed of as medical waste. Check with your local pharmacy or provider’s office for specifics, if needed.

Submitted by Elena Kelly (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

My husband passed away and he has lot of insulin pump supplies not used how can I donate it. Please advise.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Elena Kelly (not verified)

Elena, I am very sorry for your loss. I encourage you to check with your husband's endocrinology office as they may have a use for those supplies. Your local hospital, JDRF or ADA chapters may have suggestions as well. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Submitted by Jessie Kruse (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have many boxes of expired accu-check cartridges. Can they be donated or just throw them away.

Thanks

Every diabetic patient must have to know about these things!

Submitted by Jeff Asquith (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Hi. I have a Medtronic 670g insulin pump (less then 2 years old) and related supplies (current). I have purchased another brand of pump and supplies. I would like to find a good place to donate this

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Jeff Asquith (not verified)

Thanks for reaching out, Jeff. When looking into donating your pump and/or supplies, we encourage you to check with healthcare team. They may have information on a patient who could benefit from insulin pump therapy, but otherwise not be able to afford it. You can also check with local hospitals or JDRF and ADA chapters. No matter where you decide to donate, please be sure to include a letter of donation that includes your name, the serial number of your pump and your signature. Good luck to you.

Submitted by Annette Eanes (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have several never used medtronic odds/ends items to get rid of: holsters, pump clips, activity guards, tubing clamps. What should I do with them? Can they be returned?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Annette Eanes (not verified)

Thanks for reaching out, Annette. We can return items that have been shipped within the past 30 days, by calling our Customer Support Center at 800.646.4633 option #4. Otherwise, we recommend reaching out to your local endo's office, as they may have an idea of those in need.

Submitted by Anthony homen (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I just got a new 670g what do I do with all my supplies unused and my old pump I still have 3 months worth of reservoirs that I have no need and also the cbg monitor and sensors thanks

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Anthony homen (not verified)

Hi there, Anthony. You can donate or discard any unneeded supplies. Check with your healthcare team or local JDRF or ADA chapters for donation options.


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