I am asked about the material content of our products and how they affect the environment.  We use steels. aluminum and fluids that are 100% recyclable. Most engineered materials in the friction hinges are pure with no contamination elements like reground plastic or impure alloying elements. We design with products like this because of the strict tolerances and performance we need from our products.  Our friction hinges and rotary dampers have a very long (10-20 years est) life depending on usage.  Our friction hinges use no chemical lubricants so disposition is very easy. Our Rotary viscous dampers use lubricants that contain harmless elemental products found in the environment and pose no health risk whatsoever. We will provide final disposition of our product if it is shipped to us after its useful life.  Visit us at www.mmtech.us for your engineering needs.