Below, you can read about our commitment to the WEEE Directive and how you can help us to preserve the environment. If you would like to have more information on our environmental efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Hill-Rom representative.
What is the goal of the WEEE Directive?
European Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE) on waste electrical and electronic equipment, in force since 13 August 2005, includes the following provisions:
1. To preserve the environment from uncontrolled waste disposal of EEE (Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
2. To reinforce the need for the reuse, recycling and recovery of EEE at the end of its life.
3. To reinforce the responsibilities of all operators involved in the lifecycle of EEE.
Hill-Rom and WEEE compliance
All Hill-Rom products that are subject to the WEEE directive and marketed after 13 August 2005 comply with the WEEE requirements.
This symbol, applied on each unit, indicates that EEE waste must not be disposed as unsorted municipal waste and must be separately.
Moreover, the meaning of this new symbol is provided stated in users manuals as follows:
De-commissioned materials (plastics, electrical components, etc.) must be recycled in accordance with local recycling regulations. Make sure to check and comply with the local environmental policy (Directive 2002/95/EEC).
As regards the battery:
Do not throw out the battery belonging to the power supply unit as it contains substances and metals that are harmful to the environment
In addition, WEEE legislation in each country requires Hill-Rom to perform specific actions related to the ultimate treatment and disposal of WEEE. In its simplest form, WEEE legislation generally requires Hill-Rom to:
- register in each respective country,
- implement programs to ensure appropriate disposal of WEEE at the end of a product's life,
- report amounts of WEEE treated through company-sponsored programme
Therefore, Hill-Rom will ensure:
- That information is provided to you about the WEEE collection systems available.
- That WEEE is reused, recycled or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
- That information is provided to recyclers in order to facilitate the identification of WEEE controlled substances that must be removed prior to treatment.
- To report to all Competent Authorities the amounts recycled, reused, and treated.
Collection and recycling arrangement
Given the varie nature of Hill-Rom's medical devices, please contact a Hill-Rom representative for a quotation on transportation and recycling of WEEE in accordance with specific regional regulations.
The de-installation and decontamination remain your responsibility.