Just select *My Plan is not Listed* from the dropdown above. Medelas recycling program is provided as a convenience to their customers. How do you know if your pump is an open system or closed system? Ask the IBCLC: How to Prevent Mastitis Over the Holidays, How to Celebrate the Holidays with a Baby in Tow. With the pump, I pumped in beautiful mothers rooms in fancy shopping malls. If youre not sure whether your pump is an open or closed system, check the manufacturers website for details. Do you sell it? The way Medelas program works is that you request a shipping label, and then you ship your pump and charger (not your pump parts) to Medela. This means that there are more options for disposal as well. If milk gets into the pump motor, it can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. More info here. Should you choose to use an old breast pump, here are some things to keep in mind. This is because breast pumps have electronic components. Most nonprofit organizations do not want to take on the liability of re-selling or providing a used breast pump to a new mother. We won't send you spam. Select a pump, and it will be shipped to you. No idea where to start? Where does that leave those of us who are done having babies? With an open-system breast pump, theres no barrier between the motor and the collection kit. I drove to the recycling center that accepted small electronics and I was able to recycle my breast pump at that location. Sharing or passing on the pump to another mom when youre done nursing is highly discouraged. According to the FDA, breast pumps should not be used by multiple women. Breast milk can unintentionally find its way through the tubing and into the motor. If you are outside of the DMV, perform a quick google search or contact an IBCLC in your area who might be able to provide more information. Then, I asked them if they accepted small electronics or small appliances. The few organizations that do accept breast pumps will only accept pumps that function with a closed system. Im Amanda. The coverage can vary based on the individual health plan. Breast pump accessories should not be shared or sold. Did you know The Center is a nonprofit? To get started, use this link and fill in the information accordingly. Do I need to go through a specific company to purchase the breast pump? Maybe youve completed your breastfeeding journey, or you have one too many pumps on hand, or the pump you have no longer suits your needs. Your city may have a small appliance or electronic recycling program that will accept your breast pump. If you are not interested in shipping your pump back to Medela, you can try some of the same options listed above for recycling a Spectra pump. Help us reach more mothers & babies in need - donate today! Well, you can shove it into a corner somewhere or you can find a better use for it. The same principle applies when youre buying one from an online platform. Breast pumps are expensive, so itd be a shame for them to find their final resting place in a landfill. Thankfully, many women are able to find a free pump through their health insurance plan. I pumped in toilet stalls, dirty or clean. Ive included a partial list of popular pumps below, but your best bet is to call the pump manufacturer and confirm with them. I was able to find one by going to my citys website. No, Spectra breast pumps should not be used by more than one person. That might be an option for other non-Spectra pumps without a recycling program. If you do consider selling your pump, be sure to let the new user know that it's used and for how long. Many lactation consultants will test your pump's suction for free, which is something you can do before selling. Just note that most pump warranties wont cover anyone but the original owner, so it might be a good idea to let your pump buyer know that theyll have to buy a new pump (or find an insurance-covered pump through The Lactation Network) if this used one breaks. You can always contact your manufacturer directly to find out if they offer a way to recycle your pump. This is because Medela pumps such as the Medela Pump In Style Advanced are open system pumps. Meanwhile, you can recycle any parts that came into contact with milk (like the connectors, tubing, flanges, bottles, and valves) at home. Because of this, youll find many women shying away from accepting or purchasing a used one. What should I know about buying a new or used breastpump?. Here are three useful things that you can actually do with your old breast pump. Today, theres so much information available online and in print on the potential dangers of sharing an open-system breast pump. They have backflow protectors to prevent milk from contaminating the pump motor. If someone gifts you a used pump, do your research to find out if it has an open or closed system. Your best bet would be to check in with your, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, donated to another lactating parent in need via. This might be a more convenient option than shipping it back to your manufacturer of choice. The pump that I share bitter-sweet memories with. This is especially important for moms who travel a lot or find themselves moving around frequently. On their website, they had information about waste management and recycling programs. Heres how to pack up your breast pump to keep it in good condition for use in a few years. So what can you do with it then? As you can see, the greatest drawback with this design is sanitization. This is because they come into contact with the mothers milk and can potentially pass on diseases from an infected mother. To recycle one of these pumps, look for an electronic recycling center in your city that will accept PCs or small appliances. If I purchase or rent a breast pump on my own, will it be considered out-of-network. Spectra suggests that you recycle your old Spectra pump by taking it to an appliance or PC recycling center. Several breast pump manufacturers, including Medela and Hygeia, have effective breast pump recycling programs. This post may contain affiliate links. My city has an electronic recycling program where they accept small electronics and small appliances. This is a closed system pump and it has a mechanism to prevent milk from getting into the pump motor. Want to recycle my breast pump but not able to connect. Some breast pumps have rechargeable batteries inside them. Open-system pumps are designed for use by a single person only. 2022 The Lactation Network, LLC All rights reserved. They do not have a mechanism to prevent milk from getting into the pump motor. Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump Review, Ameda Purely Yours vs Medela Pump In Style Comparison, The Best Breast Milk Coolers (That Wont Waste a Drop), How to Tell if Your Breast Milk Has Gone Bad, The Best Breast Milk Storage Bags for Storing Your Liquid Gold. This is because you cannot tell if the pump has been disinfected after it has been used. Feeling a tinge of guilt about throwing all the stuff out? Medela doesnt reuse any recycled breast pump components for manufacturing purposes, but they are committed to keeping their breast pumps out of landfills. The good news is that many, many breast pump brands sell pumps with closed systems. Double-check with the manufacturer as to whats required for your exact pump model you definitely dont want to ruin your go-to gadget during a cleaning session. These types of organizations do not want to accept a potentially contaminated used breast pump and provide it to another mother. WIC also provides assistance to children under the age of five years old. This point is worth mentioning one more time. The first step is to call your health insurance plan and determine the medical equipment suppliers that they work with. When youre getting ready to use the pump again, I would suggest washing and sterilizing the pump parts and bottles that you plan to reuse. Alternatively, you can search for a local appliance recycling center that will accept the pump. Unsubscribe at any time. Remember, only closed system breast pumps (and not the accessories) can be donated due to the health issues mentioned above. I pumped in nasty storage closets at a baby unfriendly company. Closed system pumps have a barrier between milk and the pump motor, while open systems do not. Check with your local recycling center to see if there is anything they can take. At the Breastfeeding Center, we are committed to providing you with the most updated information about topics that may not be discussed frequently. However, used pumps should only be reused by another individual when they are a closed system pump. With the many safe and eco-friendly options available for getting rid of your breast pump, you don't have to throw it away! If you create an account now, we will save all your information when you are ready to order your goods or schedule that consultation. If not, be on the lookout for someone who needs a pump. On their website, Spectra recommends taking your breast pump to a PC or appliance recycling location. Medela has a comprehensive, environmentally friendly recycling program. The motor can be weak, which affects the pump's ability to operate as it should, causing less suction. If this happens, you could find yourself reaching for formula earlier than you had anticipated. If you are, too, ready to say goodbye to your breast pump, there are three things you can do: Selling it, donating it, or recycling it. A recycling center which accepts small electronics may accept your Ameda or Lansinoh breast pump. There are now two pump manufacturers who offer recycling. Because these breast pumps are open system pumps, it is not hygienic for more than one person to use the pump. If I purchase or rent a breast pump, can I submit it for reimbursement? That was so comforting. They do not re-use any of the pumps that are sent back to Medela through their recycling program. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The silicone parts should be thrown in the trash because it is not hygienic to reuse them and they cannot be recycled. If you plan on having another child or even if you arent sure if one more baby is in the cards its a good idea to keep your pump. Breast pumps are an expensive -- and important -- piece of equipment for many breastfeeding parents. So, how do you donate or recycle a breast pump? Michelle Roth, BA, IBCLC is a writer, editor, and board-certified lactation consultant for two busy pediatric practices. I did some research to find out why most organizations will not accept a used breast pump. While you are looking, clean and sanitize the pump one last time, pack it, and keep it ready for send-off. It is not recommended to sell a used single-user breast pump. Spectra pumps are designed as closed system pumps. Medelas program got started through a petition. I also discovered a few of the breast pump accessories can be recycled and others cannot. Note: there isnt regulation what a closed system feature, many donation sites may still not accept a certain pump. With each recycled pump Medela receives, they support the donation of new hospital-grade, multi-use breastpumps and supplies to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). If its not safe to donate your used pump, feel free to help another breastfeeding parent out by spreading the word about us! Keep in mind that disposal options differ between open and closed systems, but not to worry, we cover that, and more, below. I would suggest getting a new set of pump parts when you start pumping again. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this post (at no extra cost to you). You can also go online and find a womens shelter or a charity that accepts used closed system pumps. There will be a grateful mom out there somewhere. My pump has successfully completed her important task and its time for her to rest. If you own a pump made by one of the many other manufacturers, contact them directly to find out if they offer a way to recycle your pump. If you do not have health insurance, you may qualify for a breast pump through Medicaid or through WIC (Women, Infant, and Child) assistance. This is because there is always a small danger that the used breast pump may have bacteria or viruses that could make another baby sick. upport the donation of new hospital-grade, multi-use breastpumps and supplies to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Perhaps a member of your family or a friend needs one. Medela does not charge a fee for recycling pumps. The emotional stress and physical pain you or your baby could undergo treating a potential disease wont be worth the purchase. These systems are considered to be safe as they are intended to eliminate cross-contamination between parents when a pump is passed on. What to Do with Your Breast Pump When Youre Finished Pumping, Best Breast Pumping Apps: Track Your Milk and your Output (2022), What to Do If Youre Not Pumping Enough at Work , https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/buying-a-used-or-new-pump/, https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/faqs#medela-recycles, 4 Reasons You're Getting Little or No Milk When Pumping. All rights reserved. The hard plastic pieces of baby bottles can usually be recycled in your household recycling bin. This shipping label should then be used to send your pump back to Medela. Closed-system pumps are considered safe and can be used by more than one mom since theres no possibility of cross-contamination. From Crying Through Church to Breastfeeding During Dinner: How to Keep It Together During the Most Wonderful Time of the Year The holiday season is Navigate the festivities and bring sanity to the season The holidays can be hecticespecially with a new little one in tow. (Old pump parts sometimes do work just fine and its good to have lots of sets, so if theyre working, youll want to keep them.). Dont see your insurance plan listed? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Medela doesnt reuse any recycled breast pump components for manufacturing purposes, but they are committed to keeping their breast pumps out of landfills. Hygeia, who promotes "No Pumps in Dumps," also offers a pump recycling program. Some pump companies also have recycling programs. There is no way to fully clean or sterilize these kinds of pumps -- even if the pump's new owner purchases new tubing. This was also disappointing to me because a breast pump is expensive and a mother may want to try to recover some of the expense. It still worked, so I decided to look into donating it. Breast pumps, more often than not, cost a lot of money and are unaffordable for many mothers. I pumped on the road; in the car; at airports from California to Texas to Ohio. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This is likely due to the FDAs determination that breast pumps can only be used safely used as single-user devices. And really, you shouldn't -- with the amount of garbage in our landfills, trashing your breast pump is not a good option. Online local buy/sell sites such as Craigslist and VarageSale are good places to do this. Tell their customer service that you are interested in recycling your breast pump. A few breastpump distributors have recycling programs available: If you have a Medela pump and are looking to recycle it, you are in luck! When considering donating your used breast pump, the rules above apply. There are a few things that you can do with your old pump: Heres more information on each of these options. This includes the membranes, duckbill valves, backflow protectors, and tubing. You can also consult an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for more information. If you are done with your pump forever, selling your used breast pump or donating it may be an option. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Leave a comment and share your experiences! It seemed to me that the pump was working perfectly fine, and another mother could benefit from it. After I researched the FDA recommendation, I understood why organizations would not accept a donation of a used breast pump. Again, I need to point out that you should only sell a closed-system breast pump, due to health reasons. Some examples of hospital grade breast pumps are the Medela Symphony, the Ameda Platinum, and the Medela Lactina pumps. (We are able to accept donations of human milk from approved donors with The Milk Bank of Austin only, you can find more information here. Theyre also easier to clean and sanitize. The next step is to contact the medical equipment supplier, and they will provide you with a list of the breast pumps that your insurance plan covers. The answer depends on whether you think you might use it again for another child, or whether youre sure that youre done pumping forever. In addition to donating, there are PLENTY of ways to give your pump another life! You can always call and ask, though. What have you done with your old breast pump? It is unlikely that theyll recycle a pump manufactured by a different company. Make sure the used pump youre getting is lightweight and easy to transport. then I found the contact information for the waste management and recycling company in my city. Are breast milk bags or replacement parts covered under my plan? The FDA considers breast pumps, even closed-system pumps, as single user devices. On average, a mom will use the pump two to three times a day, over several months. If I submit receipts for reimbursement, is there a dollar limit for coverage for the breast pump? Hi Raina, you will need to contact the breast pump manufacturer to inquire about accepting the used pump. However, what you choose to do with it is entirely up to you. Note that even with a closed system, many charitable organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, will not accept breast pumps at the risk that medical devices can be contaminated. Copyright 2022 Exclusive Pumping LLC. Let other ads inspire you to create a great ad for your pump. They may be white or clear. If you have a Medela breast pump, you can request a shipping label and then ship your pump and charger to Medela, where theyll recycle the motor unit, motor housing, and carrying bag. I complained; she responded with a steady pumping sound. Depending on if its an open or closed system, weve laid the options out for you, from recycling to donating to re-selling. So youre finished weaning now what should you do with your breast pump? If your closed-system pump is in good working condition, you could consider donating it. This is why organizations like the FDA are cautious and do not recommend that pumps be shared between multiple users. We will further verify your plan coverage and our network participation once you submit your order or schedule a consultation. Even though I couldnt place them in my recycling bin, I could drop them off at two of the larger recycling centers in the city. Let's take a look at the options. Were always here to provide the best care for lactating parents and their babies. When I contacted Spectra, they told me that Spectra does not have a recycling program of its own. By: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA) | 0 Comments. If not, recycle your pump's plastic pieces appropriately and then take the electronic components to a facility or business that recycles electronics. WIC is a program that provides assistance to low income pregnant and breastfeeding women. Anything that they dont accept should find its way to the trash bin. As with everything else, frequent use can cause the motor to slow down. The pump that helped me achieve my breastfeeding goals. Most organizations and non-profits will not accept used breast pumps. Originally Posted February 15, 2020. Its a good idea to make sure that the new owner understands theyll have to buy a new pump if their used one breaks. launched in 2015 to give lactating parents an easy, environmentally-friendly solution to breast pump disposal, and the program has now successfully recycled more than 29,000 pumps! To recycle through the Medela Recycles program, first, contact Medela. Medela developed the Medela Recycles program, which allows you to ship your electric Medela pump for free back to the company, where they will then break down the pump and recycle all components appropriately. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider. Recycling doesnt just make us feel good, it helps reduce the amount of waste we put out into the environment. This is because a breast pump is considered medical equipment. Some pump manufacturers, like Medela and Hygeia, offer recycling. In most cases, a manufacturer will only recycle their own pumps. To recycle a breast pump, contact your local citys recycling program to find an electronics or small appliance recycling program. If you have an open system pump, you should not sell or donate your used breast pump. Some of the breast pump parts and accessories can be recycled. It makes sense that you wouldnt want to just toss your trusty companion out when youre finished with it so what are your options? If you want to recoup some of your expenses, selling the pump may be a viable option. What have you done with your old breast pump when you were finished pumping? I got upset when not having basic workplace accommodations and adequate break time, but my pump stuck to her job no matter what. Today I said goodbye to my breast pump. I called the company that was listed under recycling programs. Luckily, with the many safe and eco-friendly options for saying goodbye to a breast pump, we dont have to throw it away. Are visits with a lactation consultant covered under my health insurance plan? Then, you can compare the level of suction from the new set with your old pump parts. The older the pump, and the more babies its been used to pump for, the more likely it will lose suction over time. You can reach out to your local charitable organizations to see if they need breast pumps. The Birthing Circle: they also accept new baby items/goods and maternity wear, A Wider Circle: they also accept a host of other goods/ furniture for babies, children, and adults, DC Diaper Bank: accepts NEW unopened pumps ONLY + diapers, formula and other baby items. By the time you finish breastfeeding your child, you and your breast pump will have probably been through many milestones together: late night pumping sessions, perhaps a return to work, and most importantly, nurturing your baby! Hi! That said, even a closed system pump can be problematic when passing along to someone else. But what happens when you're done with your breast pump -- like not going to have more children done? You can also go here and scroll down to the Medela Recycles section for an extensive list of FAQs and answers. The recycled pumps are not re-used or re-sold in any way. When youre finished using your pump, donating it may be an optionbut only if its a closed system pump. Soft silicone nipples cannot be recycled and they should be disposed of in the trash. Make sure you have a closed system pump with a still strong motor before selling it. Welcome! The reason is, these pumps use what is known as an "open system," which means that there is not a barrier to stop milk (even tiny particles) or moisture from traveling up into the pump's motor. Holiday parties, out-of-town visitors and more can all disrupt a new moms pumping schedule and even lead to breast tissue inflammation. Your best bet is to connect with other moms in your community, or perhaps a church, to find a family in need. WIC may also provide a breast pump if the mother is returning to work or to school. For my second and third babies, I had two pumps and was able to leave one at work it made my commute a lot easier with not having to lug the pump with me every day. Note that even if your pump is a closed system, most pump warranties wont cover anyone but the original owner. Small babies do not have developed immune systems that an older child or an adult would have. Heres what to do with an old breast pump when youre finished pumping. The Medela Symphony is a hospital grade pump and it can be used by multiple women. The recycled pumps are not re-used or re-sold in any way. Some manufacturers, like Spectra, suggest consumers to recycle the old pump by taking it to an appliance or PC recycling center. The breast pump stimulates milk production from your breast in a similar way to your child suckling. Do keep in mind that open-system pumps pose health risks and should never be shared under any circumstances. Dont let anyone kid you no amount of sterilization will completely sanitize an open-system breast pump. Elvie does not currently offer a recycling program for used pumps. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. They may also bear other pathogens like hepatitis and cytomegalovirus which can be easily transferred to another mother. You can find guidance on how to dispose of and recycle pump parts here under the Transport, Storage and Disposal section. Thinking about weaning from the pump? It is important to do some research on your pump to see if it is a closed system. All content found on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medela also does not accept breast pumps from other manufacturers into their recycling program. Note that even with a closed system, many charitable organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army still will not accept breast pumps at the risk that medical devices can be contaminated.