The Inconvenient Truth About Breast Pumps

Some parents will spend more on their pumps, which can cost more than $300, than their TVs. That's why many consumers turn to eBay(EBAY Quote) and Craigslist.org to sell their old pumps.

Buying a used consumer-grade pump comes with risks, such as the potential to spread dangerous viruses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the devices only for single-person use, and companies will void the pumps' warranties if they're used by more than one mom. Even La Leche League, which goes to great lengths to get women to nurse their babies, advises against used pumps.

It seems like companies that make breast pumps, including Evenflo, Playtex(ENR Quote) and The First Years(RCRC Quote), should be able to make a consumer version of their hospital-grade pumps, which are reusable with some parts switched in and out for each new user. But why should they?

There's no financial incentive for these companies to take such an eco-conscious step. They can sell customers a $30 kit to retrofit a used pump or they can say, "The FDA won't let us -- darn!" and let customers spend at least twice as much on a new pump. Which would you do?

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. A Google(GOOG Quote) search came up empty, as did green parenting blogs like Teensy Green and Mindful Momma.

If you have a pump you're done with, pass it along to a friend for credit, and if you can't do that, send it back to its manufacturer. Nothing will spur creative ideas for reuse and recycling like a pile of useless pumps on their doorstep.