Recycle A Used Prosthetic Limb

We’ve heard from many families over the years who called to say that a loved one who wore a prosthesis passed away …and they didn’t know what to do with the limb.  Often with great emotion, they ask if we would take the device.  Did you know that you can recycle a prosthetic limb?

We are so honored that spouses, children, and other family members will trust us with a used prosthesis…and we absolutely will take those limbs, recycle the parts, and ship them overseas to help serve another person.  Gracie herself has rummaged through the closet to find prosthetic feet, or other materials she no longer uses, and we recycle virtually every part!

 

Recycle Prosthetic feet

In an amazing and wonderful partnership with Core-Civic, inmates volunteer to disassemble the donated limbs, and we recycle all the usable parts. Prosthetic socks, liners, sleeves, and belt systems …we will take it all.  If a shoe is on the artificial foot, please don’t forget to include the other shoe!  When you recycle a prosthetic limb, you are giving the gift that keeps on walking!

Prosthetic socks, liners, sleeves, and belt systems …we will take it all.  If a shoe is on the artificial foot, please don’t forget to include the other shoe!  

Check with your tax adviser as to whether or not you can claim the donation as a tax deduction.  If so, we will gladly provide you with a receipt.

Check with your tax adviser as to whether or not you can claim the donation as a tax deduction. If so, we will gladly provide you with a receipt.

When shipping an above-knee prosthesis, feel free to have your (or your loved one’s) prosthetist disassemble the socket in order to make it easier to ship. But please still send the socket along with the leg. In addition, please include both shoes if one is already on the foot. 

Since 2011, numerous inmates at a local correctional facility have volunteered to help us with our prosthetic limb recycling program. I recently took a few hours to meet with some of the newer men working there, and listened to their journeys.  Once qualifying for this unique program hosted by Core-Civic (formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America.), these men disassemble used limbs donated from all over the country, in order to recycle all the usable parts (feet, pylons, knees, connectors, adapters, and even screws).

Listen to the story from the radio show for caregivers