How Do You Recycle A Breast Pump?


Breast pumps typically rank high among the big-ticket items on new moms' shopping lists. One of the biggest breast-pump makers, Medela, launched a pilot program last fall that allows parents to bring used breast pumps to 22 retailers for credit toward a new one. For now, moms can recycle some parts of their pumps as they would with cans. One piece of Avent's pump is made of No. 5 plastic, which is accepted in some recycling programs, said a company spokesperson. The Medela company's pilot program intends to use returned pumps for research and is "exploring recycling options for breast pumps that are returned."

Some parents will spend more than $300 on their pumps. That's why many consumers turn to eBay and Craigslist to sell their old pumps.

Buying a used consumer-grade pump comes with risks, such as the potential to spread dangerous viruses. Until more companies develop recycling programs, there will be no easy options. Even Earth911, my go-to Web site for local recycling resources, came up blank when I typed "breast pump" into its search engine. Nothing will spur creative ideas for reuse and recycling like a pile of useless pumps on their doorstep.

Pump In Style Breastpump Instructions

Executive summary about The breast pump unit by Shantana Goerge

Disassemble all of the pump parts that come into contact with your breast or milk. This will include containers, nipples, breast shield, connector, yellow valves and membranes. Sanitize by boiling for ten minutes.


Wash hands before touching your breasts or the milk containers, especially when pumping for a newborn baby. Be sure milk containers and lids are clean, and avoid touching the inside of these surfaces.


To assemble the pump, attach the breast shield to the smooth end of the connector, and the yellow valve onto the end of the connector that screws onto a bottle or container. Fit a white membrane onto the valve until you hear it snap in place and see that it lies flat against the valve. Screw the milk container onto the breast shield unit, making sure the yellow valve end is inside the container. Insert the plastic tubing into the hole in the breast shield connectors. The soft ends of the tubing should fit onto the ports of the pump, right below the vacuum control dial. If you are only pumping one breast at a time, cover the unused port with the cover--this will help to maintain suction. Plug the transformer or battery pack cord into the power jack next to the tubing ports. If using the transformer, plug the other end into an electrical outlet.


Place breast shields completely over your nipples, and switch the pump on. Adjust the speed and the vacuum speed so that pumping is comfortable.


When you are finished pumping, disassemble all of the pump parts that came into contact with your breast or milk, and wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse with clear water, and air dry. Do not towel-dry unless you are certain that the towel is scrupulously clean. Store your expressed milk in a refrigerator, cooler.


If you see condensation in the plastic tubing, run the pump dry for another minute until you see the tubing is dry. If you see that your milk collection container overflowed and you have milk in the plastic tubing, first turn off the pump and unplug it. Disassemble and wash the plastic tubing, letting it either air dry or running the pump for a minute or two until it is dry.


Most mothers find that pumping is most efficient if they pump both breasts at once.



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