Several types of organizations accept unused medical supplies, and your best options depend on what you have. National nonprofits like MedShare accept surplus supplies and equipment for redistribution to underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad. Local options include free clinics, homeless shelters, fire departments, and animal shelters. For unused prescription medications, 31 states run official drug repository programs that redistribute donated medicine to patients who need it.
National Nonprofits That Accept Medical Supplies
MedShare is one of the largest organizations focused specifically on medical supply recovery. They accept unused, unexpired surplus supplies and used biomedical equipment, then distribute them to healthcare facilities in underserved communities worldwide. Their recovery program diverts millions of pounds of usable supplies from landfills each year, since hospitals and medical companies are often required by regulation to discard surplus inventory even when it’s perfectly functional. MedShare follows World Health Organization guidelines for donation quality.
Other national organizations worth contacting include Direct Relief, which channels supplies to safety-net clinics and disaster zones, and Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, which collects and redistributes durable medical equipment globally. Many of these groups accept shipments by mail or have regional drop-off locations. Check their websites for the nearest collection point.
Where to Donate Mobility Equipment
Wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other durable medical equipment are in high demand. Devices 4 the Disabled picks up, repairs, and delivers items like wheelchairs and walkers to people who can’t afford them. The United Spinal Association connects donors directly with individuals who need equipment. The Muscular Dystrophy Association loans wheelchairs and hospital beds to people with muscular dystrophy and helps with communication devices.
State assistive technology programs are another strong option. Illinois, for example, runs a formal reuse program through its Assistive Technology Program. Most states have a similar office. A quick search for “[your state] assistive technology program” will usually turn up a local equivalent that accepts equipment donations and matches them to residents in need.
Local Organizations That Often Need Supplies
If you’d rather donate close to home, several types of local organizations regularly accept medical supplies:
- Free and charitable clinics: These clinics serve uninsured and underinsured patients and frequently run low on basic supplies like gauze, gloves, wound care products, and diabetic testing strips.
- Homeless shelters and transitional housing: Many accept first aid supplies, hygiene products, and over-the-counter medications.
- Fire and EMS stations: Some local departments accept unopened supplies for training or community response kits.
- Churches and community health organizations: Faith-based health ministries and community health workers often distribute supplies directly to families.
Searching “[your city] free clinic donations” or calling your local 211 helpline (available in most U.S. counties) is the fastest way to find a nearby recipient.
Donating Unused Prescription Medications
Forty-five states now have laws establishing prescription drug repository programs, and 31 of those programs are currently operational. These programs collect unused, unexpired medications and redistribute them to patients at little or no cost. The impact is substantial. Iowa’s SafeNetRx program has served nearly 150,000 patients and redistributed more than $126 million worth of medication since 2001. Georgia’s program, operational only since 2017, has already filled over 981,000 prescriptions worth more than $78 million. Wyoming’s program has served over 30,000 patients with $34.5 million in redistributed medication.
Four states (Florida, Michigan, Montana, and Nebraska) run separate repository programs specifically for cancer drugs in addition to their general programs. To find your state’s program, search “[your state] prescription drug repository” or check the National Conference of State Legislatures website, which maintains a current list of all operational programs.
What Condition Supplies Need to Be In
Most organizations follow similar acceptance standards. Supplies should be unopened, with intact packaging and seals. Anything with tampered or damaged packaging will typically be rejected because there’s no way to verify the product hasn’t been contaminated. Expiration dates matter significantly. Industry guidelines from the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations state that products with fewer than 12 months remaining before expiration generally should not be shipped without prior written approval from the receiving organization. Expired products should never be donated.
For durable equipment like wheelchairs or walkers, standards are more flexible. These items can be used and still accepted, as long as they’re functional or repairable. Many organizations have refurbishment programs specifically for this purpose.
Animal Shelters and Wildlife Rehabilitators
If your local human-focused organizations can’t use what you have, animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers often can. Veterinary clinics at shelters use many of the same supplies as human medicine: bandages, gauze, syringes (without needles), surgical gloves, saline solution, and antiseptic products. Shelters also welcome towels, blankets, and pet carriers. Call your local shelter first to confirm what they’re accepting, since needs vary by facility.
Tax Deductions for Donated Supplies
Donations of medical supplies and equipment to qualified nonprofit organizations are generally tax-deductible. You can deduct the fair market value of the items at the time you donate them, not the original purchase price. Fair market value is what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, which for used or surplus items is often significantly less than retail.
The IRS documentation requirements depend on the total value. For donations under $250, keep a receipt from the organization showing its name, the date, and a description of what you gave. If getting a receipt isn’t practical (for example, at an unattended drop-off site), maintain your own written records that include the same details plus how you determined the fair market value. Donations between $250 and $500 require a written acknowledgment from the organization. Above $500, you’ll need to file Form 8283 with your tax return.
What to Do With Items You Can’t Donate
Expired medications, opened supplies, and damaged equipment that can’t be repaired generally aren’t accepted by any donation program. For expired or unused medications, many pharmacies and police stations host take-back events or maintain permanent collection bins. The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day happens twice a year, but year-round drop-off sites are increasingly common.
Sharps like needles and lancets require special handling. Never place them in regular trash or recycling. Use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container or a heavy-duty plastic household container with a tight lid, and check with your local waste management authority for drop-off locations. Inhalers and aerosol products should not be punctured or incinerated. Contact your local trash and recycling facility for specific instructions on these items.