ENVIRONMENT

Electric and Electronic Equipment Waste.

The Electric and Electronic Equipment Waste (DEEE or D3E) is the subject of a European directive 2008/98/CE which was transposed into French law in the Environmental Code (articles R543-172 to R543-206).   This directive sets measurable objectives in terms of collection and development levels: 4 kg of DEEE per inhabitant and per year must be collected from now on.

From 15 November 2006, manufacturers must organise and finance DEEE disposal for their products marketed since 13 August 2005.   According to the new regulations, "any company that is on the national market and irrespective of the method of sale used, including remote selling, is considered to be a manufacturer:

manufactures and sells electric and electronic equipment under its own brand,
resells electrical and electronic equipment produced by other suppliers under its own brand,
imports or introduces electric and electronic equipment on a professional basis.

Producers (manufacturers and importers) are responsible for the life cycle of products such as financing their collection and processing.

They must also reinforce eco-design of their new products, to facilitate dismantling and future recycling and to no longer use "regulated substances" likely to harm the environment, when an alternative is available.

After having depolluted some dangerous components, branches will organise the re-use of worn equipment, recycling or even energetic transformation. The best option however, where possible, is the re-use of obsolete equipment, especially as this solution helps to sustain the social economy.

Distributors are obliged to swap worn equipment, when an identical new one is purchased: this is the "one for one" principle.

Askle Santé decided to contribute collectively to its financial obligations and complies - as a producer - with EcoSystems eco-organisation which ensures the removal and processing of DEEE products.

Askle Santé declares the quantities of medical equipment that it has marketed every year and re-invoices the amount of the associated eco tax to the end user as governed by law.