How to Recycle FreeStyle Libre Sensor & Applicator

Why has Abbott removed your 28 day video? was just going to watch it!

Speaking of sensor kits I have a terrible time unscrewing the plastic cap before applying the sensor. There are apparently little plastic tabs that have to be broken by twisting before the cap will unscrew and I find them very difficult to break. I have really bad arthritis in both hands so that may be a factor but I have a hunch that many older people (particularly women) may have the same problem. I wish Abbott would modify the cap so as to require less twisting force.

I love how much information you cover in each video. You have the mind of an engineer.

Thank you for this! I just ordered a bag from Abbott.

All these components should be made out of paper instead of plastic

thanks I just ordered my recycling kit!

👏👏👏👏👏 😂🇦🇺

I cannot get the grey plastic part you talk about right at the beginning to break. I looked at the video several times and cannot see how to do it. Where do you apply the pressure and in which direction? At this rate it has taken me already 5 minutes and I still haven't managed to remove the part so I must be doing something wrong.

Love this!!!! Thanks so much

Good to know. I just ordered my return bag

Great video. Thank you. I’m bothered that their program only Allows you to get one bag. I’ve used Libre since Jan 2019 and kept every single one application kit because the idea of all of that waste bothered me. I could never find the solution. I’m moving and need to do something and found this video. I don’t have time to do the DIY since I’m preparing to move so the 2nd solution would work perfectly for me. I’m going
to call them this week, explain how many I have and see if they’ll send me more. From my calculations I’ll need about 11 bags.

Abbott’s take back program involves burning the returns to generate energy. Recycling would be better.

This is superb info. I threw the sensors away just a few days ago wondering how to reuse/recycle so much plastic waste from the sensor device.

I have the free shipping bag for returns. We’ll see how that goes.

Can I make workout(lifting) with the sensor?

And after recycling it all, our govs just dump it all in the ocean.

Couldn't they make it out of recyclable plastic?

If they REALLY care about not wasting materials, not to mention lower the cost to the consumer for the sensor kit, they need to make an applicator that we can reuse, instead of needed a new one each time we need a new sensor!

I used this sensor the first time last year. I'm not a diabetic just used it to identify sugar spiking food in my diet. I was shocked when realised this amount of waste. The sensor is just 10 grams, 70 grams the tool to place the sensor. This type of plastic would not be officially recycled in Ireland. So it is an environmental disaster for hundreds of thousands of years. Good to hear about the Abbot recycle scheme but again, not in Ireland as I feared. Why do you cant use the placing tool for a year or so and just get the sensor replaced? If the needle in this joke stitching your skin why it cant be sterilised after use? Anyway, your channel is helpful, thanks for it.

It's admirable that you want to recycle your plastic but I believe that different types (numbers) of plastic must be separated in order to recycle them. I think that's what Abbott means when it says it's not easy to recycle their materials because of the need to disassemble them.

While recycling this stuff is a great idea, the grim reality is that plastics are not recyclable. Of all the plastic waste, only about 5% is actually recycled in the real world. I use syringes and insulin vials, and re-use the syringes many times, and use a glucose meter and strips: my hba1c has been at around 4.5% for many years. My type 1 was diagnosed in 1965; I have no complications: is all this high tech stuff necessary?

Thanks so very much. Directions easy and made it so simple. God Bless you.

This was so helpful. Your channel has been a great help & support since my child's T1D diagnosis last year.
I've just recycled 6 sensors & applicators. I now have space on my kitchen worktop back and less guilt about waste. You have also saved me lots of time (I didn't realize the large part of the applicator was purely plastic...it's impossible to dismantle). Stay well. Thanks again

changing it to "renewable energy" sounds to me like burning the stuff. Not really recycling.

I was thinking you will reset the sensor
Fuck plastic dislike

Glad I came upon this. Answered my questions and more. Only I would like to point out that the 10 applicators filling the bottom of your box would be 20 weeks worth, not 10. Thanks for a very informative video.

Why the hell do we need a new applicator each time??

Abbott sent me the bag right away. You got me started on Libre 2. All of my waste is in the Abbott bag. Thank you 😊

Just wanted to thank you for providing the link to Abbott's waste-to-energy pilot program their sharps/CGM waste disposal service! I just got my first 6 week supply of Freestyle Libre 2 CGM sensor supplies and wanted to be sure of the best way to dispose of these items because I don't want to add to the already enormous amount of plastic waste that is in our landfills. Recycling is important to me, so I try to recycle as much of my waste as I possibly can! Thanks again for linking Abbot's free sharps waste bag!

I thought the video is how to reuse sensor. Abbot is making too much money. their patency should end.

NO take back program in Canada they tell me.
Not all plastics are recyclable so while I could go through the steps and put it in my bin it will get sent to a landfill from there.
Are you sure yours actually gets recycled?

Love watching your videos and learning so much. It was great to learn about the Abbott recycling program. I just ordered my free kit. FYI I’m T2 non insulin, just Metformin. I’ve been using the Libre 14 day for over 2 years, out of pocket. But my endocrinologist just managed to have me get the Libre 2 via Medicare for free. I’m looking forward to trying it next week when my current 14 day expires. Thanks for your great work and inspiration.

Thank you so much for the link. I have so many saved up and I can't wait to recycle these!

Thank you.

mine arrived today
and i was horrified that the plastic applicator is one time use only, meaning i have to throw it out everytime i use it, like wtf thats alot of plastic waste.
why did abbott made it that way?
i am advocating for lessening plastic waste so throwing out my plastic applicator everytime feels awful.

Any thoughts on why each sensor has a new applicator instead of buying a reusable applicator?

None of the plastic in this would be recycled. Only type 1 and 2 plastic is recycled. The needle floating freely in a sharps container is also VERY bad.

The basic problem is crap design. There is no reason why the majority of the plastic cannot be reused with just a few small changes to the design. That way you get one applicator with your first and just the sensor and needle when you need to replace it.

Disagree. Should sell one applicator with 6 sensors! Saves shipping, saves plastic

Why don't they add this bag with every box of sensor kits? 🤦‍♀️ anyhow, thank you for the info. Will be ordering my recycling bag today. ❤🌎✌

Is there any gold in them ?

how to factory reset for reader?

Hello, Tom. Just discovered this. Your video is golden, a gem, thank you so much for making it. I was able to take apart 11 sensors, and will recycle all part of each except the spring and needle. Great work, your video was extremely helpful!

Thank you so much for your clear and understandable videos! I have to watch this one every two weeks when we change my husband’s sensor as we’re old and forgetful 😂
Despise plastic waste!! 🇨🇦

I’m actually type 2 but I’m subscribed because I appreciate your video

another great & informative video, I’ve only started using CGM’s 6 months ago and was thinking to myself what a lot of waste, I’ve now started collecting the waste and will disassemble the components as you’ve shown
see if the plastic can be accepted as recycling here in the UK in my local area
ultimately it would be great if the manufacturer were to look at reducing the waste in the first place
or the applicators could be re-used

Thank you for the video! I use to live in Europe in Italy’s and Germany and I am a recycler! Here in the states I recycle everything k can so o appreciate this video so much!

Mine did not quite click and the needle detached from the applicator. I had no choice but to painfully apply it without the applicator with the needles sticking out and me having to pull it out. My sensor was able to scan but kot aure if this is applied 100% right.