It's a question we get regularly, and the answer is nuanced. Here's the straight truth about selling expired or nearly-expired diabetic supplies.
The short answer: no for expired, sometimes for close-to-expiring
TestStrip Buyback USA does not purchase products that have passed the manufacturer expiration date. Acceptance of near-expiration products depends on the exact product, remaining shelf life, packaging, and current demand.
For supplies that haven't expired yet but are getting close, the answer depends on how much time is left.
The expiration window buyers use
Most buyers in the secondary market use a minimum expiration threshold — the cutoff below which they can't make an offer. This varies slightly by buyer and product:
- 3 months minimum: The most common threshold. Supplies with less than 3 months to expiration typically can't be accepted because they'd expire before reaching an end buyer.
- 3–6 months: Some buyers will make an offer in this range but at significantly reduced prices — usually receives a lower estimate than the same item with longer remaining shelf life.
- 6–12 months: Full market value, with some variation.
- 12+ months: Best offers, no deductions for expiration proximity.
Why expiration dates matter for diabetic supplies
The expiration date on test strips and CGM sensors isn't arbitrary. Over time, the chemical reagents in test strips degrade — leading to inaccurate blood glucose readings that can result in dangerous under- or over-treatment decisions. CGM sensor accuracy also degrades after the expiration date. These aren't like a canned good where a few weeks past the date is probably fine.
What to do with supplies that are already expired
If your supplies have already expired, selling them isn't an option. Your choices are:
- Discard — test strips and sensors can go in regular household waste once removed from the box. Lancets are sharps and should go into a sharps container.
- Contact the manufacturer — some manufacturers (Dexcom, Abbott, Insulet) have return or disposal programs for patients who have difficulty disposing of supplies.
- Check with a local pharmacy — many pharmacies have medical waste drop-off, particularly for sharps.
What about test strips specifically?
Test strips expire faster in most buyers' eyes than CGM sensors, for two reasons: there are more competing buyers for CGM supplies, and test strip brands cycle in and out of insurance formularies quickly, affecting demand. The minimum threshold still applies (3 months), but the best offers on test strips go to boxes with 9+ months remaining.
The earlier you submit, the better
The most common mistake people make is waiting too long. If you know you have supplies you won't use — because of an insurance change, a new prescription, or inheriting them from a family member — submit a quote request now. You'll get a dollar amount, and you can decide from there with no obligation.
Sources and review notes
Last reviewed 2026-07-17. This page provides general information and is not legal or medical advice.
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