Updated 10/2023
Introduction
Prosthetic components are generally not reused in the United States because of legal considerations. However, if in good condition they can often be donated to charitable organizations that provide international outreach.
General Guidelines
This document provides general guidance for donating your used prosthetic components, which may differ from the criteria set by the charitable organization receiving your donation. It is best to check the organization’s website before shipping your donated supplies. While most of these organizations make every effort to prevent waste, there are some items that are just not recyclable or reusable. In order to prevent the wasted expense of shipping unusable items and to ensure your donations are suitable for another person to use, please follow these general guidelines:
- DO NOT – donate components that are damaged, rusted, or are missing parts. If a donation contains a broken or missing part (that you cannot replace or remove) please identify this part before donating.
- DO NOT – donate prosthetic sockets, as these cannot be recycled or repurposed. If possible, please remove (or ask a prosthetist to remove) the socket prior to donating.
- DO NOT – donate any used soft goods (i.e. socks, liners, sleeves, or shrinkers). Typically only new soft goods meet sanitation standards.
- DO NOT – donate other durable medical equipment such as walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, or canes. Shoes are also typically not accepted.
- DO NOT – donate medical supplies of any kind (i.e. post-amputation bandages or limb protectors). If these items are requested, please ensure they are unopened and in their original packaging.
Charitable Organizations
The following organizations accept donations of used prosthetic limbs, components, and supplies. Prior to donating, please review the guidelines set by the organization to ensure your donation meets their standards.
Limbs for Life Foundation | http://www.limbsforlife.org
For further information regarding a donation visit their website, call their office toll free at 1-888-235-5462, or email admin@limbsforlife.org. Cost of shipping is not covered by Limbs for Life. Donations can be shipped directly to:
Limbs For Life
9604 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Penta Medical Recycling | http://www.pentaprosthetics.org
Penta covers the cost of shipping. Please visit their website to create a prepaid shipping label to donate your prosthetic equipment. If you have questions about their process, email donations@pentaprosthetics.org.
Prosthetic Hope International | http://www.prosthetichope.org
Prior to shipping your donation, visit their website to complete a donation form. The Prosthetic and Orthotic Component Clearinghouse (P.O.C.C.) does not cover the cost of shipping. Donations can be shipped directly to:
P&O Clearinghose c/o Rob
1947 Briarwood Ct. NE
Atlanta, GA 30345
Range of Motion Project (ROMP) | http://www.rompglobal.org
The Components for a Cause Program collects new or gently-used prosthetic components to be used in their permanent clinical operations in Guatemala and Ecuador. You can either visit their website to create a pre-paid shipping label or choose to generously cover the shipping cost to ship directly to:
ROMP
1474 S Acoma St
Denver, CO 80223
Check with Local Prosthetic Facilities
Some prosthetic facilities have established partnerships with the charitable organizations listed above and have been established as drop off locations for collection, dissasembly, cleaning and redistribution. You can contact a local facility to inquire about whether they are or know of a prosthetic donation program in the area. You can also contact the Amputee Coalition for assistance with finding a prosthetic facility near you by calling 888-267-5669.
It is not the intention of the Amputee Coalition to provide specific medical or legal advice but rather to provide consumers with information to better understand their health and healthcare issues. The Amputee Coalition does not endorse any specific treatment, technology, company, service or device. Consumers are urged to consult with their healthcare providers for specific medical advice or before making any purchasing decisions involving their care.
© Amputee Coalition. Local reproduction for use by Amputee Coalition constituents is permitted as long as this copyright information is included. Organizations or individuals wishing to reprint this article in other publications, including other websites must contact the Amputee Coalition for permission to do so, by emailing a request to rc@amputee-coalition.org.