Molly Ayala
If you have an old electric wheelchair that you no longer need, there are several options for disposing of it responsibly. You could consider selling it online, although this may prove challenging as many people who need a wheelchair will get one through their insurance. Another option is to donate it to an organisation that refurbishes and redistributes medical equipment to those in need. This is a great way to ensure your old wheelchair finds a new home while also reducing waste. If you received your wheelchair from the NHS, you must return it to them rather than disposing of it yourself.
How to dispose of an old electric wheelchair
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sell | Sell to companies that refurbish and redistribute to those in need, such as Wheelchair Recycler, Mobility Equipment Recyclers, and local organizations. |
| Donate | Donate to organizations such as the British Red Cross, DESO, Jacob's Well Appeal, and Limbcare. |
| Recycle | Contact your local Household Recycling Centre or specialized companies such as Mobility Scooter Recycle. |
| Return | If received from an NHS trust, return to the NHS department that supplied the equipment. |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to a charity
If you're looking to dispose of your old electric wheelchair, donating it to charity is a great option. Not only will you be helping someone in need, but you'll also be reducing waste by recycling and refurbishing your old equipment. Here are some tips and suggestions for donating your electric wheelchair:
First, ensure that your wheelchair is in good working condition. Organisations are more likely to accept your donation if the wheelchair is functional and safe to use. Consider getting it serviced or repaired if necessary.
Next, reach out to local charities and community centres. Many organisations, such as local hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and senior living communities, often accept donations of electric wheelchairs to lend to patients or residents in need. Contact them to inquire about their specific needs and donation process.
Additionally, consider national and international organisations dedicated to providing mobility solutions. Goodwill Industries, for instance, accepts electric wheelchair donations across the United States and distributes them to those in need. The American Red Cross, Direct Relief, and Mobility Worldwide are also charities that accept electric wheelchair donations to support individuals impacted by natural disasters, underserved communities, and developing countries.
You can also explore non-profit organisations like Easterseals and United Way, which frequently have local chapters that accept wheelchair donations. If you're in the United States, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is another excellent option, as they accept a wide range of medical equipment, including powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and hospital beds.
Lastly, remember that your donation can make a significant difference in someone's life. By donating your old electric wheelchair, you're not just giving away equipment, but you're also offering independence, hope, and a brighter future to individuals facing mobility challenges.
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Sell for parts
If you're looking to sell your old electric wheelchair for parts, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, it is recommended to check with local dealers to see if they are interested in purchasing your wheelchair, either for resale or for parts. The amount they will pay can vary depending on the age, condition, and model of the wheelchair, so it's worth shopping around to get the best offer. If you'd prefer not to sell to a dealer, you could try selling the individual parts yourself on online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or even dedicated websites like buysellwheelchairs.com.
When selling online, it's important to provide detailed descriptions and high-quality photos of the parts you're selling. You should also be aware of any legal and safety considerations to ensure a smooth transaction. For example, if you're selling a battery, make sure to follow the proper recycling procedures to prevent environmental pollution.
Another option is to reach out to non-profit organizations that specialize in refurbishing and donating medical equipment, such as Wheelchair Recycler. These organizations may be able to use your old wheelchair to provide mobility solutions to those in need. They might also accept donations of individual parts, allowing them to repair and distribute wheelchairs to those who cannot afford them.
Finally, if you're unable to sell your wheelchair for parts, you could consider donating the entire chair to a local charity or organization. Many organizations accept used electric wheelchairs and work to match them with new owners who need them. This option allows you to help someone in need without the hassle of selling individual parts.
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Recycle
Recycling is a great way to dispose of an old electric wheelchair, especially given the environmental impact of sending such items to landfill. There are several options for recycling your old electric wheelchair.
Firstly, you could contact a specialist company such as LoadUp, who will pick up your old wheelchair and take it to a recycling centre for you. This option is efficient and affordable, with LoadUp claiming to offer prices 20-30% lower than competitors.
Secondly, you could donate your old electric wheelchair to a non-profit organisation such as Wheelchair Recycler, who will repair and distribute power wheelchairs to those who need them most. This option is great if your wheelchair is still in good, functioning condition, and you want to ensure it goes to a good home. Organisations such as Goodwill, The American Red Cross, and Salvation Army also accept donations of wheelchairs to help people with disabilities.
Thirdly, you could recycle your wheelchair yourself by taking it to your local Household Recycling Centre. This option may involve a 'bulky item collection' fee, which varies depending on your local authority.
Finally, you could recycle parts of your old electric wheelchair by selling them online. Motors, gearboxes, controllers, and wheels can all be sold for good prices on sites like eBay. This option may be more time-consuming, but it could be a good way to make some extra money while also ensuring that parts of your wheelchair are being reused.
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Return to the NHS
If you received your electric wheelchair from an NHS trust, it remains the property of the health service, regardless of how long you've been using it. Therefore, you should not dispose of it yourself. Instead, you must return it to the NHS. Here's how to return your old electric wheelchair to the NHS:
Contact the Department
Firstly, contact the NHS department that supplied you with the electric wheelchair. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and instructions for returning the equipment. Ask them about the return process, including whether they will collect the wheelchair from you or if you need to return it yourself.
Prepare the Wheelchair
Before returning the wheelchair, ensure it is clean and in proper condition. You may also want to service it, especially if it has been unused for a long period. Check the specifications and battery health, and ensure all the necessary parts are included and in working order.
Arrange Pickup or Delivery
Depending on the NHS department's instructions, either arrange for the wheelchair to be picked up from your location or deliver it yourself to the specified drop-off point. If you need to deliver it yourself, confirm the address and any specific instructions for dropping off the equipment.
Explore Other Options
If, for some reason, returning the wheelchair to the NHS is not feasible or recommended by the department, you may need to explore other options. This could include donating the wheelchair to charities or organisations that accept mobility equipment, such as Disability Equipment Service (DES) in the UK or the British Red Cross's Mobility Aids Service. Alternatively, you can check with your local council or recycling centres to see if they accept electric wheelchairs for recycling or responsible disposal.
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Sell online
Selling your old electric wheelchair online is a great way to ensure it goes to someone who needs it. There are many websites that can help you sell your wheelchair, and you can also list it on auction sites.
EBay
A popular option for selling used items, eBay is an auction site that allows you to create an individual auction for your electric wheelchair. You can add multiple pictures, a list price, a "Buy Now" price, item description, payment and shipping options. You can also offer local pickup to save on shipping costs.
Craigslist
Craigslist is another online classified advertisement website that connects users via locally-based sites. You can list your wheelchair for sale and provide a wealth of information and images so that buyers can assess the quality and condition of the chair.
Buysellwheelchairs.com
This website is a classified ad site that connects buyers and sellers of second-hand mobility equipment. You can list your power chair for sale online, and they are partnered with big online retailers such as Mobilityscootersdirect.com. Basic listings start at $5, and you can pay more for multiple pictures and to feature your listing on various pages.
The Mobility Market USA
This website connects buyers and sellers of pre-owned wheelchairs and mobility aids. You can list a description, location, asking price, contact information, and photos. There is no fee for advertising items valued at less than $100, but there is a one-time fee for items valued over $100.
IMED Mobility
IMED Mobility is one of the leading mobility dealers in the U.S. They can help you sell your used electric wheelchair, and they also give you the option to list it yourself. They will also buy your used motorized mobility power wheelchairs.
Used Wheelchairs USA
This company will buy your used electric wheelchairs and will pick up your power chair if you are close by.
Openbox Medical Supply Inc
One of the largest medical suppliers in Southern California, Openbox Medical Supply can pick up your used wheelchair or you can choose to ship it to them.
Wheelchair Recycler
This non-profit refurbishes and distributes wheelchairs, scooters, and other medical devices to those in need. They accept gently used wheelchairs, repair them, and distribute them at little to no cost.
When selling your old electric wheelchair, it is a good idea to research the cost of a new unit and then reduce the price depending on the age and condition of your unit. Keep in mind that private sales may not include a warranty or in-home service contract, so buyers may only be interested if the price is very low.
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Frequently asked questions
The British Red Cross, DESO, Jacob's Well Appeal, and Limbcare are some organizations that accept mobility equipment donations. There are also organizations such as Mobility Equipment Recyclers and Wheelchair Recycler that refurbish and redistribute mobility devices.
If you received your electric wheelchair from an NHS trust, you should not dispose of the equipment yourself. You need to return it to the NHS by contacting the department that supplied you with the equipment.
You could try selling your old electric wheelchair or recycling it at your local Household Recycling Centre.
