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Disposal |
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With the securing of environmentally-friendly disposal, Miele completes the product life cycle of its appliances: Miele has incorporated the experiences of the waste disposal industry in recycling procedures into the Product Design stage and, in cooperation with disposal partners, is actively promoting the optimisation of recycling procedures. Miele domestic washing machines are 85% metal; with commercial machines this figure is almost 90 %. |
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The Miele Return and Recycling System for Used Electronic Household Appliances
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This high proportion of metal and other recyclable materials makes a large contribution to effi cient recycling. In order to improve manual disassembly, Miele has reduced the types of materials
and number of different screws used and labelled the plastic parts in accordance with the international standard DIN ISO 11469. With regards to older appliances, in 29 European countries Miele has either set up its own return and recycle system or participates in collective systems. The aim is to be able to recycle old appliances in an ecologically-friendly and economically-viable way, either by returning the materials to the business cycle or by using an alternative recycling procedure. |
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Miele played a decisive role in setting up the systems required for the implementation of the EC WEEE directive (Reduction of Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment). Furthermore, Miele is active in diverse study groups, which deal with the topic of waste and disposal, both at a national and at an EU-level.
Miele is active in all EU member states and in other countries with regards comprehensive return systems for recyclable product packaging. The disposal systems in place in each of the countries ensure that the materials used for transportation and packaging are returned to the business cycle. |
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Between 2005 and 2007, the number of screws used in washing machines and dryers was reduced by around 27 %. Challenges and Targets
The recycling of disused refrigeration appliances is of particular importance. At least 90 % of HCFC still present in old cooling devices is to be retrieved and disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. For this reason, Miele has specified treatment and recycling goals for its disposal partners. In the future, Miele will continue to place a high priority on recycling, at least until alternative methods come into being. |
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The disposal system for transport packaging used by Miele in Germany ensures that materials are returned to the business cycle.
When disposing of retail packaging, Miele uses the existing German recycling and disposal systems.
In 2005, Miele conceived an economically and ecologically viable waste return and recycling system in conjunction with experienced disposal partners.