Handicap equipment, which helps a disabled person become more mobile and independent, includes several types of items. Shower chairs offer you freedom to shower in the security of a water-tolerant wheelchair. Walkers, canes and manual wheelchairs rely on your own power for propulsion. Scooters and power wheelchairs are powered by rechargeable batteries and provide you with a comfortable means of travel. Fitness walkers and wheelchair-accessible fitness equipment encourage exercise, notes All Terrain Medical and Mobility. Recycling unneeded handicap equipment keeps it out of the waste stream, and you'll provide a benefit for another patient.
Step 1
Take the equipment to a nursing home. Nursing homes frequently care for seniors who cannot live at home, plus rehabilitation patients recovering from illness or injury. Some residents arrive with mobility and other assistive equipment, but others don't have the financial resources to purchase these items. Contact the facility's nursing manager to determine if your equipment can enhance a resident's quality of life. Locate nursing homes in cities throughout the United States.
Step 2
Visit a senior citizens' center. Senior citizens' centers serve a city's or county's diverse senior population. Centers offer varied activities for seniors of different mobility levels, including seated and wheelchair exercise classes. Senior centers may keep assistive equipment on hand for members' needs, and may welcome your equipment donation. Locate your local senior centers through your city or county government offices.
Step 3
Contact your county social services department. Social services departments provide an umbrella of services to residents of different ages and income levels. Department social workers encounter residents with special needs, but without sufficient resources to purchase equipment such as wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Contact a county social worker to determine if your donated equipment can assist a local resident.
Step 4
Deliver the merchandise to a nonprofit store. Nonprofit stores are generally affiliated with a registered nonprofit organization. Stores sell donated merchandise to help fund their organization's operations. Merchandise often includes wheelchairs, walkers and other equipment for disabled men and women. Donated items must be in functional condition, and donors receive receipts if desired. Consult with a tax professional to determine if these in-kind donations present benefits for your tax situation.
Step 5
Place a newspaper classified ad. Place a small ad in the "Giveaway" category of your newspaper's classified pages. Describe the item's purpose and offer relevant information about its operation and condition. Newspapers frequently print "Giveaway" ads at no charge to the customer. Offer to deliver the item if a caller is unable to pick it up.
Step 6
Publicize items on a recycling network. Nationwide recycling networks provide a loose framework that enables owners of unwanted items to offer them free to local respondents. All items must be legally available and appropriate for all ages. This exchange keeps the items out of local landfills, and you'll provide value to the recipient.
Step 7
Contact your local recycling center. Although recycling center guidelines vary, many facilities limit recyclable items to cans, bottles, newspapers and cardboard. Some facilities recycle other items as well. Ask recycling center staff if the facility maintains a "Free" section where patrons can leave items that other visitors can use.
Tips and Warnings
- Before you recycle the equipment, ensure the item is in good workable condition and has all needed parts. Confirm that motorized equipment operates as designed. Include an operations manual if one is available.
References
- All Terrain Medical and Mobility, LLC: Handicap Equipment
- Nursing Home Directory.org: Nursing Homes by State
- Freecycle: Find a Group Near You
- Cherokee County, North Carolina Recycling Facility: Recyclable Items Accepted
- Anne Arundel County, Maryland Waste Management Services: Items Accepted for Recycling
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