Recycling medical equipment is an important part of reducing waste and creating a more sustainable business. Aspects of many pieces of electronics can be salvaged and used to refurbish other devices, diverting potentially toxic waste from landfills and reducing the amount of materials that need to be mined.
The recyclable materials contained in this kind of equipment includes aluminum, plastic, rubber, glass, and electronic components such as printed circuit boards and batteries.
What Medical Equipment to Recycle
Many types of medical equipment can be recycled or donated, including:
| Equipment Type | Recyclable Medical Equipment |
| Diagnostic Imaging Equipment | MRI scanners CT scanners and equipment X-ray machines Ultrasound equipment |
| Patient Monitoring Devices | Respiration monitors Glucose monitors Defibrillators |
| Surgical & Clinical Equipment | Metal surgical instruments Endoscopy equipment Laboratory equipment |
| Rehabilitation & Mobility Equipment | Physical therapy devices Wheelchairs Canes |
Recycling Process for Medical Equipment
Recycling is one of a few options for getting rid of old medical equipment. Before recycling, consider reselling or donating devices that are still in working condition to clinics or individuals in your community that are in need of usable equipment. Some manufacturers also have take-back and repair programs that can be inexpensive or even free.
Identification
Take an inventory of the medical equipment that needs to be recycled, resold, or donated.
Disinfection
Before recycling or donation, medical equipment should go through proper disinfection and sterilization processes. This can be achieved via autoclaving, disinfecting with chemicals, or types of radiation. It’s important to go through this step to remove any potential contaminants and ensure safety for reuse or recycling. Professional medical equipment disposal services can usually handle this process.
Collection
Equipment is picked up from you or dropped off at the recycling location.
Deconstruction
At the recycling facility, the medical equipment is taken apart and sorted into its various components. Not all pieces are recyclable–some are hazardous and thus require specific disposal protocols to meet certain regulations. Pieces of the equipment that retain data are eliminated through shredding, data obstruction, or other forms of destruction.
Recycling
Recyclable materials like plastics and metals are either refurbished into new devices or recycled traditionally.
Benefits of Professional Recycling Services
Working with certified recyclers ensures proper handling of hazardous materials, data stored in devices, and recyclable components. ShredTronics works with partners who comply with regulations like the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines when recycling medical equipment. Furthermore, there are multiple environmental regulations on both the state and federal levels that dictate how electronics and devices containing hazardous materials need to be disposed of. In many cases, these should not go into the landfill due to their proclivity to leach toxic chemicals into the soil and waterways.
Some medical devices may have the capability to store patient or clinic data within them. In order to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy regulations, these need to be destroyed or wiped properly. Recyclers are held to legal standards when handling the private information of others. Hard drives and other data storage components are thoroughly wiped, obstructed, or put through a destruction process like shredding or pulverization. If certain devices are simply placed in the landfill, private information could be at risk for theft.
Recycling Solutions with ShredTronics
ShredTronics is experienced in helping individuals and businesses find the right service for their medical equipment recycling needs. Our nationwide network of trusted local providers have solutions for all things electronics recycling, destruction, and disposal.
ShredTronics works with multiple sectors, including healthcare services and residences. We have partners who accept most quantities and sizes of equipment. To get started with medical equipment recycling today, fill out the form or give our team of experienced experts a call (844) 648-4908.
