Have durable medical equipment you no longer need? Or do you need equipment you cannot afford? Reuse programs connect the two. Donating helps someone else, and the same programs let people borrow or receive equipment for free. This guide explains where to donate, where to get equipment, and what to know first. Programs vary, so call ahead to confirm what they accept.
Loan Closets and Reuse Programs
The most common option is a durable medical equipment loan closet or reuse program.
Nonprofits, faith groups, senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging, and disease charities run them. They accept donated gently-used equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, commodes, shower chairs, and hospital beds. Then they lend or give them to others for free. Find one by calling the Eldercare Locator.
State Assistive Technology Reuse Programs
Every state has an assistive technology program. These include device reuse and exchange.
They refurbish used equipment and redistribute it to people who need it. They handle a wide range of assistive technology and medical equipment. It is a reliable, well-organized way to both donate and receive. Search for your state’s assistive technology program.
For larger donations, especially from clinics or estates, MedShare is a good option. It is a nonprofit that collects surplus medical supplies and equipment.
MedShare redistributes them to safety-net clinics and underserved communities, in the US and abroad. It has guidelines on the age and condition of equipment it can accept. Other channels, like some thrift and faith-based organizations, may also take equipment.
What Condition Items Need to Be In
Most programs accept durable equipment only. That means items like walkers, wheelchairs, and beds, not opened disposable supplies.
Unused, sealed items are sometimes accepted. Equipment should be clean and in good working order. Always call ahead to confirm what a program takes, its age and condition limits, and whether pickup is available for large items.
Tax Deductions for Donations
Donating equipment to a qualified charity may be tax-deductible. If the organization is a registered nonprofit, ask for a receipt.
Keep a record of what you donated and its fair value. A tax professional can tell you whether and how to claim it. This is a small bonus on top of helping someone in need.
How to Get Free Equipment
If you are the one who needs equipment, the same programs help you.
Contact a loan closet for a free borrow, especially for temporary needs after surgery. Use your state assistive technology reuse program for longer-term needs. Check disease-specific charities for your condition, since many run equipment programs. And remember that Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA may cover equipment you need.
Why Reuse Matters
Equipment reuse is a quiet win for everyone. For donors, it clears space and keeps usable equipment out of a landfill.
For people in need, it provides essential items, often the same day, at no cost. It fills gaps that insurance may not cover, especially for temporary needs. And because durable equipment lasts, a donated wheelchair or bed can serve many people over its life.
What to Do Before You Donate
A little prep makes donating smooth. First, clean and sanitize the equipment. Then check that all parts are present and working.
Call the program to confirm they accept your item. Ask about age or condition limits, and whether they can pick up large pieces like a hospital bed. This quick checklist ensures your donation actually helps someone rather than being turned away.
Getting Equipment the Same Day
If you need equipment urgently, a loan closet is often fastest. Many can hand you a walker or wheelchair the same day.
Call the Eldercare Locator or 211 to find the nearest one. Explain what you need and when. For temporary needs, this beats waiting on an insurance approval or a delivery.
Donate Medical Equipment FAQs
Where can I donate used medical equipment?
To loan closets and reuse programs, state assistive technology reuse programs, MedShare, and some disease charities.
Can someone get the equipment for free?
Yes. Loan closets and reuse programs lend or give gently-used equipment to people who need it at no cost.
What is a loan closet?
A program, often run by a nonprofit or senior center, that lends donated medical equipment for free and takes it back when done.
A nonprofit that collects surplus medical supplies and equipment and redistributes them to clinics and communities in need.
Do programs accept opened supplies?
Usually not. Most take durable equipment only, though some accept unused, sealed items. Always call ahead.
Is a donation tax-deductible?
It may be, if the organization is a registered nonprofit. Ask for a receipt and check with a tax professional.
How do I find a program near me?
Call the Eldercare Locator or search for your state’s assistive technology reuse program.
Call before donating because organizations differ on accepted equipment, condition standards, cleaning requirements, and pickup availability.
