Environmental policy and responsible equipment disposal

Our environmental position

The most environmentally responsible choice in test equipment is keeping a working instrument in service rather than replacing it. Aumictech's core business — buying, repairing, calibrating, and reselling used test and measurement equipment — directly extends instrument lifespans by years or decades. An optical spectrum analyzer or fusion splicer repaired and returned to service has already absorbed the full manufacturing burden of its production: rare earth elements, specialty optical coatings, precision glass, and the energy to manufacture them. Every unit we sell instead of scrap is a unit that does not have to be made new.

This page describes the hazardous materials present in the equipment we handle, how we manage them on our bench, and our guidance for customers on responsible disposal when instruments reach end of life.

Hazardous materials in test equipment

Precision test and measurement equipment — particularly instruments manufactured before 2006 when RoHS took effect — commonly contains regulated hazardous substances. The table below identifies the materials we encounter, where they appear, and the applicable disposal requirement.

How we handle hazardous materials on our bench

When instruments arrive for evaluation, repair, or calibration, we identify hazardous components during the initial inspection and handle them appropriately:

• Mercury-containing lamps and components removed during repair are stored separately and disposed of through a licensed mercury waste handler, not in general waste.
• Lithium and NiCd battery packs that are failed or removed are collected and sent to a certified battery recycler. We do not discard battery packs in general waste.
• Instruments that are beyond repair and have no remaining commercial value are stripped for usable components (connectors, optical components, mechanical assemblies) and the chassis is sent to a certified e-recycler. We maintain records of disposal.
• Solvents and cleaning agents used in optical cleaning and bench maintenance are disposed of per RCRA small quantity generator requirements.

End-of-life disposal guidance for customers

When an instrument you purchased from Aumictech — or any instrument in your lab — reaches end of life, do not place it in general waste or a dumpster. Electronic waste containing lead, mercury, or lithium is regulated in most U.S. states and is banned from landfill in many jurisdictions including California, New York, and Texas.

Steps to dispose responsibly

1. Contact us first. If the instrument has any remaining measurement or parts value, we may purchase it or accept it for evaluation. This keeps it in service and out of the waste stream.
2. Use an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler. These certifications verify that the recycler handles hazardous materials properly and does not export e-waste to developing countries. Find a certified recycler at sustainableelectronics.org or e-stewards.org.
3. Remove battery packs before recycling. Lithium and NiCd battery packs should be removed and recycled separately. Many retail locations (Home Depot, Staples, Best Buy) accept batteries for free recycling through Call2Recycle.
4. Check your county's e-waste program. Most U.S. counties operate electronics drop-off events or permanent drop-off sites. Search for "e-waste recycling [your county]" for local options.

Frequently asked questions