The Re-Use Equipment Medical Durable program, which promotes the reuse and refurbishing of medical equipment such as shower chairs, canes, and wheelchairs, is located at the Shady Grove Transfer Station in Derwood, Frederick County. This program is part of Montgomery County’s participation in the statewide Department of Aging’s initiative to support the aging population. The dedication of the collection site at the Shady Grove Transfer Station was led by Marc Elrich, the Executive County Executive, as part of Montgomery County’s celebration of Earth Month. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection is also involved in this initiative.
The Director of Environmental Services in Maryland, Glass Charles, and the Director of Aging Services in the County Department of Health and Human Services, McGhee L. Patrice, attended dedication ceremonies. Director Elrich said, “There is an ongoing need for medical equipment in our county, and this program is helping us provide critical assistance to those in need while also recycling, reusing, and reducing. We encourage everyone to donate any used equipment they may have, as it can still be used. This program not only helps our neighbors, but also contributes to our efforts in protecting the environment.”
The medical equipment they desperately need can be obtained without taking up valuable landfill space, as this type of equipment is often discarded after being used for only a few months. However, a walker or wheelchair typically has a usable lifespan of more than five years.
The non-functional equipment will be broken down further to minimize waste and the parts will be saved for later use. Re-Use DME Maryland Technicians will collect the equipment and transport it to a 56,000 square-foot facility located in Cheltenham, where it will be stored and repaired for future distribution. The container holds up to 95 pieces of equipment and it will be placed in the eighth satellite collection container at the Shady Grove Transfer Station, which is operated by Re-Use DME Maryland.
Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques expressed, “Individuals with disabilities or at any income level can benefit from the program’s free distribution of equipment, which is one of its most commendable features.” Roques further stated, “For Maryland residents in need, Maryland DME Re-Use serves as a valuable resource, and we are thrilled to include Montgomery County in our program to ensure continued provision of DME to those requiring assistance.”
Since the initiation of the DME Re-Use program two years ago, over 17,651 units of DME have been processed, resulting in a total waste of 545,082 pounds or 231,880 cubic feet of landfill space, which is comparable to filling 15 two-story houses from floor to ceiling.