The Eco-Friendly Guide to Disposing of Used CGM Sensors: Abbott's Innovative Pilot Program
Many of my clients are using continuous glucose monitors (CGM). Every 2 weeks, a fair bit of wasted is generated from mixed materials which cannot be recycled. There seems to be innovation afoot trying to reduce their contribution to the landfill.
Abbott’s Freestyle Sensor Kit Take-Back Pilot Program
Abbott has launched a take-back program to keep some of their used sensors out of landfills. It’s just a pilot program, but it sounds like they are looking for ways to extend it or even recycle their sensor components.
These sensors will be shipped back to Abbott (for free) and sent to a municipal solid waste incinerator. These incinerators convert non-hazardous waste into energy.
Eco-friendly disposal: Is incineration better than landfills?
This is best explained by the pros. Abbott shares some resources on their website. On their page devoted to Energy Recovery from the Combustion of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), the EPA says,
Energy recovery from waste is important in the development of sustainable energy policies. EPA continues to develop regulations that encourage energy recovery from hazardous materials or materials that might otherwise be disposed of as solid waste. -EPA
How to Participate in Abbott's CGM Sensor Return
Order your free return bag from Abbott
Place 6 used sensor kits in the bag
Ship it back
Are you interested in getting professional support to optimize your blood sugar?
We have group programs and 1:1 support that utilize CGMs to help you hack your blood sugar. Once we’ve used them to assess your metabolic health and identify the key strategies that will be most effective for you, we’ll help you with meal planning, lifestyle strategies and appropriate supplements to get your blood sugar where it needs to be.