How to Recycle an Automated External Defibrillator

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that deliver an electric shock to restart the heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. When AEDs reach the end of their lifespan or are no longer needed, proper disposal can prevent electronic waste from reaching the environment. With a few simple steps, you can ensure responsible recycling of an AED.

While AED units are not as commonly recycled as smartphones or laptops, they can be handled by medical equipment makers specializing in refurbishing or safely breaking down electronic healthcare devices.

Best Option: Mail-In Recycling Programs

One of the easiest ways to recycle an AED is through a mail-in medical equipment recycling program. These services accept handheld medical devices, including AEDs, ensuring they are properly processed for parts recovery and electronic waste management.

Veolia and TerraCycle offer convenient ewaste mail-in options.

AED electrode pads are not widely recycled. The pads contain adhesive gels and electronic components that make them unsuitable for standard recycling streams. If your manufacturer or AED supplier does not accept pads, dispose of them as household trash unless the manufacturer provides specific instructions.

AED Manufacturer Recycling Programs

Several AED manufacturers and distributors offer recycling programs for AED devices, pads, and batteries. Below is a list of some notable programs:​

1. AED One-Stop Shop: Enjoy free recycling for AED devices, batteries, and electrode pads. Contact an AED consultant at Sales@AEDOneStopShop.com or call 855-677-2337 (option 1) to participate.
2. AED Market: An AED retailer, the company provides free recycling for used AED batteries and devices. Customers are responsible for shipping costs. For more information, visit their recycling program page.
3. AED.US: Offers a free recycling service for expired AED batteries. Customers cover the shipping costs. The company accepts only one battery per shipment. ​
4. Cardiac Life: Provides information on recycling AED units, electrodes/pads, and batteries. They also offer assistance with re-celling AED batteries. To participate, contact them at info@cardiaclife.net or call 585-267-7775.
5. Think Safe: Recycles AED units & AED Batteries to help reduce waste and promote sustainability but does not accept pads. For instructions on recycling, contact their support staff at support@think-safe.com or call 319-377-5125. ​
6. AED Superstore: Committed to environmentally safe battery disposal, AED Superstore offers a recycling program for expired AED batteries, not devices or pads. You’ll need to cover the shipping costs.
7. Stop Heart Attack: Provides AED battery recycling. Be sure the battery is fully discharged before shipping, and include only one battery per box—

Before participating in any recycling program, it’s advisable to contact the provider directly to confirm details and obtain specific instructions for returning AED devices, pads, or batteries.

Alternative: Best Buy’s Electronics Recycling Program

Because AEDs are handheld electronic devices, Best Buy’s recycling program may also accept them at their in-store drop-off locations. While policies vary by location, Best Buy will accept AED lithium-ion batteries and may take the unit itself. Call your local store in advance to confirm.

Recycling an AED responsibly helps reduce electronic waste, recovering valuable materials, such as batteries and circuit components, for reuse in reconditioned devices or new electronics. Whether through a dedicated medical equipment recycler, mail-in, or drop-off program, there are ways to keep AEDs out of landfills by using sustainable disposal practices.