If you have an oxygen concentrator you no longer need, you have several good options: sell it through a buyback program, donate it to a charity that sends medical equipment overseas, give it to a local lending closet, or recycle it properly. The right choice depends on the unit’s age, condition, and whether it still works.
Sell It Through a Buyback Program
Some medical equipment retailers purchase used concentrators directly. The Oxygen Concentrator Store, run by American Medical, operates a buyback program for specific models including the Inogen G4, G5, and Rove 6, the CAIRE Eclipse 5 and Freestyle Comfort, and the Inogen at Home stationary unit. The process is straightforward: you request an offer, accept or decline it, and get paid. If your unit is a different brand or an older model, it may not qualify, but it’s worth checking.
You can also sell privately through online marketplaces, though there are a few things to know first. Oxygen concentrators are FDA-regulated medical devices. Manufacturers must obtain FDA clearance before marketing them in the United States, and the devices are subject to federal labeling and safety requirements. Selling a working unit to another person isn’t illegal, but the buyer typically needs a prescription to use one for supplemental oxygen. Being upfront about the unit’s age, hours of use, and any maintenance history will help you avoid problems.
Donate It to a Charitable Organization
Donating is one of the most impactful options, especially if your concentrator still works but isn’t worth much on the resale market. Project C.U.R.E., one of the largest medical equipment charities in the U.S., accepts oxygen concentrators and ships them to healthcare facilities in developing countries. They have collection locations in several cities, and if you don’t live near one, they encourage you to contact them directly to arrange a donation.
At the local level, many communities operate medical equipment lending closets or loan programs. These are typically run by independent living centers, hospitals, or nonprofits. Massachusetts alone has over a dozen such programs, including the Hospital Equipment Loan Program (HELP) and Pass It On, Inc. Your state likely has something similar. Search for “medical equipment lending closet” or “durable medical equipment loan program” plus your state or county to find nearby options.
Claiming a Tax Deduction
If you donate your concentrator to a qualified nonprofit, you can generally deduct the fair market value of the device on your taxes. Fair market value means what a willing buyer would actually pay a willing seller for the item in its current condition. For used medical equipment, that’s often significantly less than the original price. The IRS specifically warns against using formulas like “a percentage of what it cost new” to estimate value. Instead, check what similar models in similar condition are actually selling for online. If the deduction is large enough to matter, IRS Publication 561 covers how to document property donations in detail.
Clean It Before Passing It Along
Whether you’re selling or donating, a thorough cleaning makes the unit safe for the next user. Start by wiping all external surfaces, including the flowmeter, controls, and indicator lights, with a cloth dampened in mild detergent and clean water. Follow that with a cloth soaked in a compatible disinfectant. A dilute bleach solution (0.1% sodium hypochlorite) works if the manufacturer says the device can handle chlorine-based cleaners, but check first.
Pull out the air intake filter and wash it in cool, soapy water, swirling gently to remove dust and debris. Let it dry completely in a shaded area before reinserting it. The bacterial filter is a different story: don’t wash it with water. It should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ideally by someone trained in medical equipment maintenance. If the humidifier bottle is included, wash it separately with warm water and mild detergent. All tubing and nasal cannulas are personal items and should be discarded rather than passed along.
Recycling and Safe Disposal
If the concentrator is broken, outdated, or no longer functional, don’t just throw it in the trash. Like other electronic devices, oxygen concentrators contain materials that release harmful substances in landfills, including heavy metals like lead and mercury. Incinerating e-waste produces dioxins, which are among the most toxic chemicals known, and accounts for roughly 10% of mercury emissions from waste processing.
Contact your local solid waste authority or household hazardous waste program to ask about medical device recycling. Many municipalities accept small electronics at periodic collection events or permanent drop-off sites.
Portable concentrators require an extra step because of their lithium-ion batteries. The EPA is clear on this: lithium-ion batteries should never go in household garbage or curbside recycling bins. Even a depleted battery holds enough energy to start a fire. Before dropping one off, place electrical tape over the battery terminals and put the battery in a separate plastic bag. Many retailers that sell batteries and electronics accept lithium-ion batteries for recycling. You can also search the EPA’s resources or Call2Recycle’s website to find a drop-off location near you. If the battery is swollen, damaged, or won’t detach from the unit, contact the manufacturer for specific handling guidance before attempting removal.
Choosing the Right Option
A quick way to decide: if the unit powers on, produces adequate oxygen flow, and is a relatively recent model, a buyback program or private sale gets you the most value. If it works but isn’t worth much financially, donating it to a charity like Project C.U.R.E. or a local lending program puts it to use where it’s needed and gives you a tax deduction. If it’s broken or very old, responsible recycling keeps hazardous materials out of landfills. Whatever you choose, removing personal accessories, cleaning the device, and handling any lithium-ion batteries separately are the baseline steps before the unit leaves your home.