Stryker products and the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG)

The ElektroG of 16 March 2005 implements the European Directive 2002/96/EC of 27 January 2003 on the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The aim of this directive, and thus also of the ElektroG, is to prevent waste and ensure the proper treatment and recycling of WEEE. This is achieved by, among other means, the obligation on manufacturers to take back devices placed on the market after 13 August 2005. In addition, such products that are intended for private households must bear the symbol of a crossed-out wheeled bin above either the date when the device was put on the market or a black bar as a sign that the device was placed on the market after 13.08.2005. As this labelling is also compulsory for the commercial sector in other EU countries you will find these signs on all Stryker products affected by the ElektroG. Implants and infectious products, among other things, are not affected by the ElektroG. Neither are devices that are not within the scope of the ElektroG or that are themselves merely part of another device that is, in turn, also not subject to the ElektroG. For our commercial customers we have therefore set up a central collection point in our Duisburg branch for the return and disposal of our medical products purchased after 13 August 2005 (with the exception of implanted and infectious products within the sense of the ElektroG). Insofar as the purchaser is also the user, he or she is obliged to send such devices purchased after 13 August 2005 to this address at their own cost. If the purchaser is a retailer or is not the end-user, he or she is also obliged to inform their buyer or the user, if possible, about their obligation to return the goods (as WEEE). Please contact the responsible sales representative if you have any questions. If requested, we would be pleased to support you in organising such a return consignment.