Resources for Clearing the Clutter of Medical Supplies and Equipment

Did you ever wonder what to do when you find yourself with home medical care supplies or equipment you no longer need? If it is just a cane, a pair of crutches, or a knee scooter, you might post it to nextdoor.com/for_sale_and_free/. 
This saved one of my neighbors who needed crutches after hours on the weekend. 

If it is a lot of stuff that has accumulated over years, after surgery, or after a loved one passed, it helps to know that there are local non-profits who will put it to good use. 

ReCares homecares.org has locations in Oakland, SF, and Marin, where they collect and redistribute medical supplies and equipment free of charge to those in need. They seem to take the largest variety of medical equipment, and are even capable of doing some repairs. 
See information for donors here. They will provide a donation receipt for your items. 

Berkeley Free Clinic is happy to receive medical supplies they can use, such as gloves, bandages, and gauze. They also welcome hygiene items they can distribute.The equipment they take is limited to stethoscopes, blood pressure devices, and thermometers. They will also take some over the counter medications. They are a non-profit, so donations are tax deductible. Find donor information at berkeleyfreeclinic.org/new-page-3

Vida sends supplies for primary health care to Latin America. They accept a long list of supplies and equipment that you can drop off at their Berkeley location. Get info at 
vidausa.org/medical-supply-donations

While you are clearing the clutter, you might also check the medicine chest for outdated prescription medication, or meds you no longer need. Because prescriptions medications are hazardous, they cannot be flushed, or poured down the drain. There are many safe disposal sites, and even a prepaid mail back option. The most comprehensive information I found is at:
http://www.stopwaste.org/at-home/household-hazardous-waste/common-hazardous-materials/medicine-and-prescription-drugs#Table
Be sure to read to the end of the section for information on controlled substances, which even includes your cough syrup with codeine.  

Like anything else, once you learn how to do it, it is easy. So after your initial purging of accumulated items, you will know how to quickly pass on items in the future. It feels great to know that someone is benefitting from something that was just collecting dust.