A breast pump is a personal medical device many families acquire during their infant feeding journey. Once use is complete, families often seek a responsible way to repurpose the equipment rather than discarding it. Donating a gently used breast pump can provide an expensive tool to another parent who needs support. Navigating the donation process requires understanding specific safety requirements and knowing which organizations accept such equipment.
Eligibility Criteria for Donated Pumps
The single most important factor determining a pump’s eligibility for donation is its system type. Breast pumps are generally categorized as either “open system” or “closed system.” An open system pump allows for the possibility of milk, which can carry bacteria or viruses, to enter the pump motor and internal mechanisms, making it impossible to sterilize for a new user.
A closed system pump incorporates a physical barrier, such as a backflow protector, between the milk collection kit and the pump motor. This barrier prevents moisture and milk particles from reaching the motor, reducing the risk of contamination for a subsequent user. Even with a closed system, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against sharing or selling pumps labeled for single-user use, as they are classified as single-user medical devices. Therefore, most organizations that accept donations only consider pumps designated by the manufacturer as multi-user or those with a clearly defined closed system, and they must be thoroughly cleaned beforehand.
Established National Donation Programs
Finding a national program that accepts used, single-user breast pumps for direct reuse can be challenging due to FDA guidance and liability concerns. Most major charitable organizations, like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, will not accept used pumps, even closed-system models. Therefore, the most reliable avenues for repurposing a used pump involve recycling programs or local, smaller-scale organizations.
One established option is the Medela Recycles program, which is not a donation for reuse program but a recycling initiative. This manufacturer-specific program allows users to send in their Medela personal electric pumps, which are then dismantled and recycled by a third party. Medela uses the proceeds from this recycling to donate new, multi-user, hospital-grade pumps and supplies to charitable organizations, such as Ronald McDonald House Charities. This offers an environmentally conscious disposal method that benefits new parents indirectly.
For direct donation, local community-based organizations, hospitals, and women’s shelters are more likely to accept gently used, closed-system pumps than large national charities. Hospitals with lactation support programs, local breastfeeding resource centers, or non-profit organizations focused on maternal health may have specific guidelines for accepting donations. Before dropping off any equipment, contact the specific organization to confirm their current acceptance policy and required documentation.
Alternative Options for Unused Pumps and Accessories
When a pump is an open system, broken, or otherwise ineligible for donation, there are still ways to responsibly manage the equipment. If a pump manufacturer offers a recycling program, such as Medela’s, that is typically the best option for the motor unit, which is often made of plastic components. Other manufacturers, like Spectra, may suggest taking the pump to an appliance or PC recycling center if they do not have their own program.
The separate pump accessories, such as tubing, bottles, flanges, and valves, are generally not accepted for reuse, even by organizations that take the pump motor. However, a parent can donate brand-new, unopened, and sealed accessories to local non-profits, shelters, or diaper banks, as these parts are considered safe for immediate use. Certain plastic accessories may be eligible for curbside recycling depending on local waste management guidelines for plastic types like polypropylene. For pumps that meet the criteria for multi-user designation, some parents offer them for free or a small fee on local platforms like community groups or Freecycle, clearly disclosing the pump’s single-user status and requiring the recipient to purchase all new accessories.