Not accepted Items

For our program to work properly, we must decline the donation of certain medical equipment and supplies. We try to accept as much as we can but our storage space is limited.

The ReCARES Network currently does not accept:

  • Walking boots
  • Knee/back/arm/leg braces
  • Pharmaceuticals & IV fluids and supplies
  • Feeding supplements
  • Tube feeding supplies
  • Needles, syringes
  • Ostomy supplies
  • Drainage supplies
  • Urinary supplies
  • Respiratory supplies include oxygen tanks, opened tubing, CPAP machines, and CPAP supplies. To donate this kind of item please try contacting Breathe California.

Do you accept electric wheelchairs and/or scooters?

No, we do not have the capacity for these items. If you would like to donate a working electric wheelchair or scooter, we suggest you contact the Center for Independent Living or NorCal SCI. These organizations might be able to help you.

Do you accept indoor stairlifts?

No, we do not accept them at this time.

Do you accept large equipment, such as hospital beds and Hoyer lifts?

We do not have the storage space to accept these large items. However, we can try to match you with someone in need of a hospital bed or Hoyer lift. If you would like us to help, please fill out this form* and we will contact you soon.

*Please notice this form requires you to sign in using a Gmail account.

Sometimes, our volunteers might still reject “commonly accepted” items when you bring them to the site. We understand that this might be frustrating, but we ask you to understand that these decisions are made in order to better serve our operations. There are many reasons why we can’t accept them right now, such as:

  • Storage Space
  • Overstock
  • Little demand or no takers
  • Safety or hygiene-related concerns

Please, help us help by respecting these restrictions. You can learn of other organizations that might take these items by visiting our “Resources” page.