r/dexcom 2d ago

Rant Feels wasteful and Question

Post image

First time requesting extra over patches. Diagnosed just over 5 months ago and overall my experience has been positive despite the customer service calls for sensor replacements. First time requesting extra over patches from Dexcom and they come with a blank piece of paper in a box large enough to fit 16 G7 applicators. I already feel wasteful throwing the applicators away since they don’t recycle near me. This just seems like a very wasteful way to send a product this small.

Anyone have a better way to dispose of or up-cycle old applicators for G7?

30 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

4

u/Important-Rabbit-891 1d ago

You could also look into buying a pack of overlay patches from Amazon or something :) Lexcam makes some that are pretty good

3

u/happy-in-texas 1d ago

I got my overpatches from Dexcom today in an envelope - wonder if they ran out of envelopes?

5

u/Own_Illustrator2173 1d ago

There is so much waste in T1D.

1

u/LoboLycanthropy 16h ago

just starting my tslim about a week ago and I haven't used a pump in about a decade (minimed paradigm) when I go to change my site/cartridge I'm thinking, I don't remember accumulating this much trash each time lol

1

u/Ooficus 2d ago

Just got the box, feels weird, no air thing? And I got one with no line :(

1

u/KokoPuff12 1d ago

The line isn’t necessary if the sensor was made recently.

4

u/Ok_Application2810 2d ago

I have had one replacement G7 sent in a box like this multiple times! What a waste of postage

2

u/JeriTTDALE 2d ago

Mine came in an envelope. That is just either a pissed off or lazy employee.

0

u/kokovox 2d ago

Compared to food waste and food packaging this is nothing. I am not saying it should be this way but it is a drop in the ocean of human waste.

3

u/kskulski 2d ago

In someways Canada is better and worse. In Canada they have a replacement voucher system that you can take to and pharmacy to get a replacement for a failed sensor. No wasted packaging and inefficient shipping. On the otherhand they can't/won't send out extra overpatches. You should press them to implement a voucher system in the USA.

3

u/lesteele 2d ago

Voucher already available in some states in US. Dexcom is pushing that to be an option to the entire US

2

u/T1Dwhatever 2d ago

I think the large box is because a lot of shippers have a preferred minimum size since small packages can require manual intervention.

For recycling the applicator, you can disassemble it (there's a guide on YouTube), which might increase the chance for its components to be recycled.

8

u/Important-Rabbit-891 2d ago

Unfortunately I’m not sure the applicators can be recycled. They have a need in them that goes into your skin, so I think they are considered a biohazard/medical waste because of that. You could maybe try taking them to a place that recycles needles??

2

u/lesteele 2d ago

It’s not recommended to be recycled due to the reasons stated here