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What to Do With Unused Diabetic Supplies: Your Best Options

Wondering what to do with unused diabetic supplies? Discover safe, legal, and money-saving options including selling, donating, and recycling near you.

Surplus Rx Editorial Team
Β·
6 min read
Β·July 3, 2026

What to Do With Unused Diabetic Supplies: Your Best Options

Do you have boxes of test strips, CGM sensors, or insulin pump supplies sitting in a drawer? You are not alone. Millions of Americans end up with extra diabetic supplies every year. Whether your prescription changed, your doctor switched your device, or a loved one passed away, unused supplies can pile up fast.

The good news is that you have several good options. You can sell them, donate them, or recycle them β€” and some of these choices can put real money back in your pocket.


Why People End Up With Extra Diabetic Supplies

Insurance companies and Medicare often ship supplies on a set schedule. Sometimes those shipments arrive whether you need them or not. Other times, a doctor changes your treatment plan and leaves you with supplies you can no longer use.

Caregivers managing a loved one's diabetes are another common group. When a family member passes or moves to a care facility, it is common to find closets full of unopened boxes. These supplies are still valuable and should not go to waste.


Option 1: Sell Your Unused Diabetic Supplies for Cash

Selling is often the fastest and most rewarding option. If your supplies are unopened, unexpired, and in good condition, you may be able to earn meaningful cash β€” sometimes $20 to $50 per box or more depending on the brand.

Is It Legal to Sell Unused Diabetic Supplies?

Yes, in most cases it is completely legal to sell over-the-counter diabetic supplies like test strips and CGM sensors that you purchased or received through insurance. These items are considered personal property. You are not selling a prescription drug, so there is no legal issue for the average seller.

You can learn more about which supplies qualify by visiting our View Price List.

How MySurplusRx.com Makes It Easy

MySurplusRx.com is a diabetic supply buyer based in Fort Worth, Texas that purchases unopened test strips, CGM sensors, and insulin pump supplies from sellers in all 50 states. The process is simple: you request a quote, ship your supplies for free, and get paid quickly through Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or check.

MySurplusRx.com pays some of the highest rates in the industry for brands like FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom, Omnipod, and Contour. Sellers do not need to leave their homes β€” everything is handled by mail with a prepaid shipping label.

Ready to turn your extras into cash? Get a Free Quote and find out what your supplies are worth today.


Option 2: Donate Your Unused Diabetic Supplies

If selling is not your priority, donating is a wonderful way to help others who cannot afford their medications. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 1 in 4 people with diabetes struggle to afford their supplies. Donating can make a real difference.

Where to Donate Diabetic Supplies

Here are a few places that often accept diabetic supply donations:

  • Local free clinics and community health centers β€” Many accept unopened, unexpired supplies for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
  • Mutual aid groups β€” Facebook groups and local nonprofits sometimes coordinate supply sharing in your community.
  • Churches and food banks β€” Some larger organizations have health pantries that accept medical supplies.
  • International relief organizations β€” Groups like Direct Relief or Insulin Help ship supplies to people in need around the world.

Before you donate, always call ahead. Most organizations only accept supplies that are unopened, clearly labeled, and not expired. They cannot accept insulin or other prescription medications due to safety and legal rules.

A Note on Insulin Donations

Insulin is a prescription drug and cannot be legally donated or resold in most states. If you have extra insulin, contact your local pharmacy, a patient assistance program, or the FDA's drug disposal guidelines for safe disposal instructions.


Option 3: Recycle or Safely Dispose of Diabetic Supplies

Some supplies cannot be sold or donated β€” maybe they are expired, opened, or from a discontinued brand. In that case, safe disposal is the responsible choice.

How to Dispose of Sharps and Lancets

Used lancets, needles, and pen tips are considered sharps waste. You should never throw them in the regular trash. Instead:

  • Use an approved sharps container and drop it off at a local pharmacy or hospital.
  • Check with your city or county for household hazardous waste collection events.
  • Many pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have free sharps disposal programs.

What About Expired Test Strips and Sensors?

Expired test strips and sensors that cannot be sold or donated can typically go in the regular trash once removed from their packaging. However, check your local guidelines, as some communities have stricter rules about medical waste.


Option 4: Return Supplies to the Manufacturer

Some manufacturers have take-back or recycling programs for their devices. Dexcom, for example, has a recycling program for used CGM transmitters. Omnipod encourages users to recycle their empty pods through TerraCycle.

Check the manufacturer's website for your specific brand to see if a return or recycling option is available. This is a great way to reduce medical waste while doing something good for the environment.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell diabetic test strips I got through insurance?

Yes, in most cases you can. Test strips dispensed through insurance become your personal property. Selling them to a reputable buyer like MySurplusRx.com is legal and straightforward as long as the strips are unopened and unexpired.

How much money can I get for unused diabetic supplies?

It depends on the brand, quantity, and expiration date. Popular brands like FreeStyle Libre 2, Dexcom G6, and Omnipod Dash tend to pay the most. View Price List to see current rates before you ship anything.

What brands does MySurplusRx.com buy?

MySurplusRx.com purchases a wide range of brands including FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom, Omnipod, Contour, OneTouch, Accu-Chek, and more. Supplies must be unopened, undamaged, and have at least 8 months before expiration for most brands.

How do I get paid after I sell my supplies?

After MySurplusRx.com receives and inspects your supplies, payment is sent quickly via your choice of Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or check. Most sellers receive payment within one to two business days of inspection.

Is it safe to mail diabetic supplies?

Yes. MySurplusRx.com provides a prepaid shipping label and packaging guidance so your supplies arrive safely. Test strips and CGM sensors are not fragile when packed correctly and ship safely through standard USPS or UPS services.


Turn Your Unused Supplies Into Something Useful Today

Whether you choose to sell, donate, or safely dispose of your unused diabetic supplies, the most important thing is not to let them go to waste. People across the country need these supplies and cannot always afford them. And if you need the money yourself, selling is a fast and easy solution.

MySurplusRx.com has helped thousands of sellers nationwide turn extra supplies into quick cash with no hassle. The entire process takes just a few minutes to start. Get a Free Quote now and find out exactly what your supplies are worth β€” with no obligation to sell.

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What to Do With Unused Diabetic Supplies: Your Best Options | Surplus Rx