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Hardware Environmental Regulatory Compliance Information

Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Microsoft has taken the following approach to comply with this Directive for its covered products (Electrical and Electronic Equipment or “EEE”):

  • Microsoft, where applicable, registers with national authorities in accordance with the requirements of each Member State and the EU for Microsoft products that are subject to the WEEE Directive and reports data to such Member States as required by the Directive.

  • Microsoft pays fees in each Member State to cover the WEEE management costs of its covered EEE.

  • Microsoft provides information to reuse centers, treatment, and recycling facilities regarding Microsoft EEE as required by each Member State and the WEEE Directive. For more information, please contact Microsoft.

  • Microsoft products are designed to promote recycling, reuse, and proper waste management.

  • Microsoft products are labelled or stamped with the WEEE marking as shown below in accordance with European Standard EN 50419.

WEEE marking that displays an image of a waste can with an “X” through it designating that it is prohibited to dispose of WEEE in a trash can.

Important information for generators of WEEE from private households:

  • WEEE from private households is defined as waste EEE that is generated by private households as well as commercial, industrial, institutional, and other sources that, because of its nature and quantity, is similar to WEEE that from private households.

  • The presence of the WEEE mark (shown above) indicates that generators of WEEE from private households are responsible for properly disposing of covered products. Marked products must not be disposed as a part of household waste. They must be returned to a designated collection point for their dismantling, recycling, and/or reuse. In some cases, WEEE marked products can be returned to their place of purchase.

  • The proper disposal of WEEE by households will conserve natural resources (through re-use and recycling) and protect the environment and human health through proper disposal.

  • In some cases, your city, municipality, or Member State may take enforcement action for improper disposal of WEEE.

  • For more information regarding WEEE disposal options, please contact your local waste agency, municipal office, retail store where you purchased the covered Microsoft product and/or your waste management service, or visit your country’s government website.

Learn more about Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).

Packaging

With respect to packaging, Microsoft designs its hardware and software packaging to reduce environmental impact. This includes compliance with the European Union’s Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste (94/62/EC of 20 December 1994, as amended by 2004/12/EC) and CEN packaging standards (2005/C 44/13). Through internal policies and in close relationship with partners and suppliers, we use a system of specifications, testing, and verification to comply with applicable packaging laws and regulations, including requirements restricting the use of certain hazardous substances, specifying recyclable material content, and restricting the use of certain wood products.