The medical equipment and supplies were repurposed to aid those in need and reduce landfill non-hazardous medical waste.
Minnesota-based NGO MATTER announced that its MATTER 360 initiative diverted more than 7.1 million pounds of medical surplus from landfills in 2024, marking an increase from 6.5 million pounds in 2023.
MATTER repurposes medical equipment and supplies to aid people and reduce landfill non- hazardous medical waste, accomplishing this through distributions to international hospital and clinic partners, from resale efforts, and by recycling.
“We are proud to partner with MATTER to help make a difference in the healthcare environment with surplus medical inventory,” says Nate Sedlacek, operations manager at Owens & Minor, in a release. “The simplicity and efficiency of their process allows us to contribute to a greater cause delivering medical supplies to those in need.”
MATTER 360 impact highlights:
- 7.1+ million pounds of medical surplus repurposed in 2024
- 25+ million pounds processed since 2019
- 50% received from established hospital & clinic partnerships repurposed elsewhere in the world
- 46% remarketed through sales channels to support MATTER projects and operations
- 4% responsibly recycled (unusable supplies and equipment)
“Ensuring a seamless and efficient process for our partners to donate medical supplies and equipment remains at the heart of our mission. By giving these items a renewed purpose, we create a meaningful impact—not only for our partners but also for communities in need worldwide,” says Joel Anderson, executive vice president of MATTER 360, in a release. “We deeply appreciate our hospital and clinic partners across the country and look forward to continuing this vital work together.”
MATTER 360 encourages hospitals, clinics, and medical suppliers to partner in reducing waste and improving global healthcare access. To learn more about donating medical surplus, visit the MATTER 360 website.
Photo caption: MATTER 360 gives medical surplus a new life and purpose.
Photo credit: MATTER
