Medical & Pharmaceuticals recycling
How to Recycle Ostomy Supplies
Pouches, skin barriers, flanges, and accessories used by people with ostomies. Used supplies are a household trash item in most states; unused surplus has real donation value.
Special handlingDonation value for unused surplus can be significant given the cost of these suppliesLast reviewed July 30, 2026
Quick answer
Used ostomy pouches and barriers go in regular household trash, sealed securely, in most states; they don't need hazardous medical waste handling for a typical home user. Unused, unexpired supplies are worth donating to an ostomy support organization instead of throwing away, since they're expensive and often not fully covered by insurance.
- Recycling route
- Special handling
- Typical value
- Donation value for unused surplus can be significant given the cost of these supplies
How to Prepare
- 1Empty pouch contents into the toilet before disposal, per standard ostomy care guidance
- 2Seal used pouches and barriers in a bag before placing them in household trash