Few resources are more personal in nature that the equipment used by the mobility impaired.
Which is why, when you mention the words recycled medical equipment, the various lifts and transport devices employed in the home are not usually the first products that come to mind.
But it can make sense to consider used or recycled mobility equipment instead of new products, and for several reasons.
One is, of course, cost - since used equipment often sells for a fraction of the price of new equipment, the value proposition can be attractive.
Also, because of the role these products play in the lives of owners, this type of equipment has been well maintained and, with any necessary reconditioning completed, can be as functional as a new model.
And because, like cars or furniture, mobility-assist equipment holds a portion of its value over time, it makes sense to trade-in used lifts when they are no longer needed, or when something more appropriate becomes available.
This is the age of renewable resources and recycling, and medical equipment is no exception.
The raw materials used in the design and construction of mobility devices in particular is of the highest quality, meaning used equipment comes with little or no compromise to functionality or safety.
The most commonly sought piece of used mobility equipment is the stair lift - a chair that travels up and down a staircase on a mounted rail.
Recycled stair lifts can be easily altered to fit a different size or configuration of stairwell at a new location, and the expense of doing so (cutting and fine tuning may be necessary, requiring a skilled craftsman) may still result in a lower overall cost in comparison to a new unit.
Another common piece of mobility equipment on the used market is the porch lift, also called the vertical platform lift.
This is usually installed in a garage or outdoors next to a porch to allow a user with a wheelchair or scooter to access their home.
These lifts come in different heights, and because they can usually be adjusted to fit the need, they are easily applied in new locations.
The only caveat for buyers is to make sure the maximum height of the lift is adequate for their specific home application.
Ceiling track systems are another commonly recycled item.
The rails used in these configurations can be easily moved from one home to another, often without reconfiguration.
And portable systems are just that - there is no re-tooling necessary no matter where they are used.
Permanent units will, however, need to be fitted to the application of a new user, again with the help of a professional.
Other medical products are commonly recycled, as well.
Hospital beds, reconditioned scooters, power wheelchairs, and lift and recline chairs all hold up extremely well over time and under heavy use, and if purchased through a dealer or equipment broker, usually arrive fully inspected and reconditioned.
Items purchased directly from users should be thoroughly inspected and tested, and may require repair.
In most cases parts and repair service are easily located.