Do you have an old breast pump to get rid of? Don’t throw it away! Recycling helps reduce landfill waste and recovers valuable materials like plastic, metal, and electronics.

Many manufacturers and programs now offer recycling options for breast pumps. In this article, we’ll explore different recycling options for breast pumps and how you can positively impact the environment by choosing to recycle.

So, let’s dive in and discover where to recycle breast pumps.

You can recycle your old breast pump in several ways:

Many breast pump manufacturers have dedicated recycling programs. Brands like Medela and Ameda offer options for sending back used pumps, where they responsibly recycle the components. Check the manufacturer’s website for details and guidelines on how to participate.

Some local recycling facilities accept small electronics, including breast pumps. Contact your nearest recycling center to see if they take these items, and follow any preparation instructions they provide.

Many communities host electronic recycling events where you can drop off old or broken devices, including breast pumps. These events are often free and ensure that the electronic components are disposed of sustainably.

Large retail stores like electronics or baby product stores may have in-store recycling drop-off points. Stores like Best Buy often accept small electronics, and some baby stores may have specific programs for baby gear recycling.

While not strictly recycling, some hospitals or community organizations may accept certain pump parts or accessories for responsible reuse or donation. Be sure to check which parts are suitable for donation and clean them thoroughly before offering.

Medela offers a dedicated recycling program called the Medela Recycles Initiative, which makes it easy to recycle your old breast pump responsibly.

Through this program, Medela collects used pumps and ensures that the components are recycled in an environmentally friendly way.

Participation is simple: Visit Medela’s official website to request a free shipping label. Then, package your old pump and send it to Medela for proper recycling.

It’s important to note that only the pump motor unit is accepted, so keep or discard other components like tubing or flanges separately.

Spectra also provides options for recycling breast pumps in an eco-friendly manner. While it doesn’t have a dedicated recycling program like Medela, Spectra encourages users to repurpose or recycle their breast pumps through local recycling programs or e-waste facilities.

To recycle your Spectra breast pump, contact your local electronic recycling centres to find out if they accept small appliances and what their specific requirements are.

Additionally, Spectra suggests separating any hygienic parts, such as flanges and tubing, before recycling, as these are typically not recyclable and should be disposed of according to local waste guidelines.

Disposing old breast pump parts requires careful consideration, as not all components can be recycled. Here are some tips to ensure proper disposal:

Many breast pump parts, such as flanges, bottles, and tubing, are plastic. Check if the parts are labelled with a recycling symbol and confirm with your local recycling center whether they accept those plastics.

If they are not recyclable, dispose of them with regular household waste.

Items like valves, membranes, or specific tubing might be made of silicone. While silicone is durable and reusable, it’s typically not accepted in curbside recycling programs.

Research specialized recycling facilities that accept silicone or consider reusing these parts creatively, such as DIY projects.

If your pump parts include battery packs, cords, or adapters, these should be treated as electronic waste. Drop them off at an e-waste recycling facility or a local electronics store that offers recycling programs for these items.

Recycling your old breast pump is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to a healthier planet.

Whether you participate in manufacturer programs, use local recycling facilities, or join community recycling events, every effort counts toward reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

By properly recycling or disposing of your pump and its parts, you not only prevent harmful materials from ending up in landfills but also help recover valuable resources.