EBME Forums Forums Management Medical Equipment Management Scrapped equipment disposal?

I would appreciate some advice on disposing of scrapped equipment, we've got lots lying around. Do I just throw it in the bin or is there a better way?

If it still works, give it to the third world via some of the charities who organise collections of unwanted equipment. It might still save a life !

The question is ... What about any legal implications if the equipment you give hurts somebody. Surely something must be signed to state that we accept no responsibility.
I would be interested if anyone has any contacts for people who would take old equipment off our hands.

John... as with everything the more you look into it the more of a mine field it becomes.There are legal implications and anyone wishing to have our scrapped equipment has to sign a disclaimer form.
In addition if the equipment is contaminated it has to be (made safe) before disposal. I've had to sterilise some heavily contaminated scrapped equipment before now.

I would be interested to hear other peoples views.

you can contact hilditch who do collections and auction of medical equipment. they take their cost out and pay you whatever is left.
alex

If it really is scrap and of no further use then shouldn't we be recycling it?

Do suppliers have a responsibility to take it back? I think there may be legislation coming on this subject. Paul

Alex
Who are Hilditch? Please would you post their phone number.
Thank you.

These are the new regulations that are coming - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Its a draft EU directive and it is anticipated it will be finished this summer and implemented by statute in 2003. If you are keen and want more info look at: http://www.wastewatch.org.uk/informtn/electric.htm

Paul

john,
the number for hildditch is : 01666-822577

all the best.

Another avenue for equipment disposal is through a charity orginisation called ECHO who send equipment to the third world. They also undertake to refurbish it and support it for as long as they are able to do so.
Contact address is
Ullswater Crescent
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR3 2HR

020 8660 2220