Donating Medical Items

It seems like a win-win situation to share the things we have with people who need them, and it is possible to donate medical items under certain conditions. Unfortunately, overseas donations of unused items, particularly medications, can become a real burden to the recipients, especially in nations where proper disposal options are limited.

Here is what you need to know about donating unused medications, personal care products, medical supplies and equipment.

You May Donate:

• Certain drugs for treating cancer and chronic diseases. Wisconsin allows certain pharmacies to take back unit doses of drugs for cancer and chronic diseases. These drugs may be donated for re-issuance through the Cancer and Chronic Disease Drug Repository [exit DNR].
• Unexpired, unopened prescription medications from businesses and institutions. These may be donated to health practitioners who have authority to dispense drugs. For example, if the drugs meet World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for donating drugs) [exit DNR], you may donate to a doctor who volunteers locally or overseas. Veterinarians are able to use some medications as well (call first).
• Medical supplies and equipment, such as wheelchairs. See below for a list of organizations that accept donations.

You May Not Donate:

• Opened personal care products, such as shampoo and lotion. However, by using good judgment and including the instructions for use, households may share them with friends and family. Otherwise, dispose of them.
• Unexpired prescription medications from households. Except as allowed under the Cancer Drug Repository mentioned above, most charities will not accept them. See Disposal Options for Households.
• Expired (outdated) prescription medications. These are waste and should be managed accordingly. See Disposal Options for Households or Disposal Options for Non-households.
• Controlled substances. According to federal Drug Enforcement Administration [exit DNR] rules, dispensed controlled substances may only be in the possession of the person to whom they were prescribed or law enforcement agencies.

Organizations That Accept Donations of Medical Supplies and Equipment

Practice Greenhealth [exit DNR] (formerly Hospitals for a Healthy Environment) has a list of organizations that accept donations (search for "resources for donations"). Below are a few additional organizations that accept donations. Two of them are in Wisconsin. Always contact the organization before sending donations.

• Donate locally to AIDS support groups, the American Red Cross, schools, animal shelters, veterinarians and health practitioners who volunteer locally or overseas.
• Wheelchair Recycling Program [exit DNR] provides mobility with dignity to individuals in Wisconsin and the world. Currently accepting mobility devices and other medical equipment and supplies.
• Sharing Resources Worldwide [exit DNR] collects surplus medical supplies, gently used medical equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetic supplies, school and craft supplies, linens, and other items that would likely be destined for Wisconsin landfills and distributes them locally and worldwide. Does not accept medications.
• Recovered Medical Equipment for the Developing World (REMEDY) [exit DNR] does NOT accept donations. It does offer an in-service program to explain how to collect and distribute excess supplies within the operating room suite.
• World Vision Product Donation [exit DNR] provides free computer matching of institutional donation of medical supplies and other items to suitable non-profit recipients.
• Direct Relief International [exit DNR] provides essential material resources to locally run health programs in poor areas around the world and during times of disaster.

Contact Information

For questions and comments about donating medical items, please contact:

DNR Medical Waste@Wisconsin.gov