Sustainable Hose Component Recovery Management

Step One: Decontaminate and Clean All Components (CRITICAL)
· All hoses and/or fittings MUST be thoroughly cleaned and completely DECONTAMINATED before inspection, repairs, or return for reuse can be made.

· Hart Industries is NOT LICENSED TO HANDLE WASTE OR RESIDUE (including dried substances) in used hoses or fittings.

· We can only accept clean fittings that are free of chemical residue. Fittings failing this pre-qualification will not be accepted and will either be returned to you (freight collect) or disposed of at prevailing rates.

Step Two: Remove Components
· If fittings are still attached to the hose, ensure the remaining hose length is:
            o Maximum 8-12 inches total length for sizes 1" – 4"                           (inside diameter)
             o Maximum 10-18 inches total length for sizes 5" – 12"                        (inside diameter)

· Important Note: Any excess hose exceeding these lengths will be disposed of, and charges will apply at prevailing disposal rates.

Step Three: Preliminary Visual Inspection
· Before returning, visually inspect all fittings to ensure they are free of:
     o Cracks or flaws
     o Pitting or corrosion
     o Distortions or out-of-roundness (oblong or "egging") –                comparing to a new fitting is recommended.
     o Worn surfaces of the fitting body (casting)

· Note: Worn cam ears, pins, and gaskets are generally acceptable as these parts will be replaced during refurbishing. However, fittings with flaws noted above (cracks, pitting, distortion, worn body surfaces) cannot be used on new assemblies and will not qualify for credit.

Step Four: Obtain Your Returned Good Authorization (RGA) Form
· An RGA number and shipping instructions MUST be obtained from Hart Customer Service BEFORE releasing your components to Hart.

· To request your RGA:

     1. Gather your clean and inspected components until a                    sufficient quantity is achieved for shipment.
     2. Count the fittings ready for shipment.
     3. Complete the "Returned Goods Authorization Document"             (found at the bottom of this page) with your company                 information and the quantity, size, type, and material of               the fittings being returned.

· Once these steps are completed, a Hart Customer Service representative will contact you with your RGA number and specific shipping instructions.

Step Five: Package Your Components Securely 
· Package the fittings in boxes or drums. Ensure shipping                containers are of sufficient strength to safely contain the            fittings during transit.

· For large shipments (40-50 fittings and above), sealed drums   or heavy-duty containers on pallets should be used.

· For ease of shipping, special "BULK" bags can be provided by      Hart for larger fitting batches. Contact Beth Meadows at 1-          800-221-9234 (bmeadows@hartindustries.net) to request            these.

Step 6: Ship Your Components to Hart or Arrange Pickup
· Once you have your RGA number and shipping instructions, ship your components to the designated Hart location.

· Alternatively, in areas where available, Hart may arrange for retrieval of your gathered used components. Your RGA instructions will specify if this option is available for your location.

· Enclose a copy of your RGA document (clearly marked with the RGA#) as a packing list for all returned fitting shipments.

Step Seven: Hart Inspection and Credit Insurance
· Upon receipt at Hart Industries, your fittings will undergo a thorough inspection by our certified technicians.

· Credits for eligible fittings (those passing inspection and adhering to all outlined procedures) will then be applied to your orders for new hose assemblies utilizing refurbished fittings.

· Notification of Unusable Fittings: Within 3 days of receipt by Hart, you will be notified of the number and type of fittings deemed unusable. These fittings can either be returned to you (freight collect) or disposed of by Hart.