Can Expired Products Be Donated? A Category by Category Guide

A date on a package does not always mean the product cannot be donated. It depends on what the product is and what the date means.

Shelf stable food

Best by and sell by dates are quality dates for most foods, not safety dates. Wholesome food past a quality date is commonly donated, and the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects donors acting in good faith. State rules vary. See food donation.

Infant formula

Infant formula carries a federally required use by date. It cannot be donated after that date.

Vitamins and supplements

Federal law does not require expiration dates on dietary supplements. A printed date is a potency guarantee. Sealed product slightly past date can often be donated. See supplement donation.

OTC drugs, sunscreen and hand sanitizer

Over the counter drugs must carry expiration dates. Expired OTC products, including sunscreen and hand sanitizer, should not be donated and go to certified disposal instead.

Cosmetics

Most cosmetics have no federal expiration requirement. Sealed product in good condition can be donated.

Prescription drugs

Prescription drugs can only be donated through state drug repository programs, not through general donation.

Not sure about your product? Send us the details and dates and we will tell you what can be donated and what needs destruction. Get a quote.