Information on the ElektroG/disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment

The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) contains a large number of requirements for the handling of electrical and electronic equipment. The most important ones are compiled here.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulation (WEEE) registration number DE 18693781

1. Separate waste equipment collection

Electrical and electronic devices that have become waste are referred to as waste equipment. Owners of old devices must dispose of them separately from unsorted municipal waste. Old devices in particular do not belong in household waste, but in special collection and return systems.

2. Batteries and rechargeable batteries

As a rule, owners of waste equipment must separate spent batteries and rechargeable batteries that are not enclosed within the waste equipment from the latter before handing them over
to a collection point.*

3. Options for returning old devices

Owners of waste equipment from private households can hand it in at the collection points of the public waste management authorities or at the take-back points set up by manufacturers or distributors as defined by the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). An online directory of collection and take-back points can be found here.

4. Data protection information

Old devices often contain sensitive personal data. This applies in particular to information and telecommunications technology devices such as computers and smartphones. In your own interest, please note that each end user is responsible for deleting the data on old devices to be disposed of.

5. Meaning of the ‘crossed-out dustbin’ symbol

The symbol of a crossed-out dustbin regularly depicted on electrical and electronic equipment indicates that the respective device is to be collected separately from unsorted municipal waste at the end of its service life.

6. Note on waste prevention:

According to the provisions of Directive 2008/98/EU on waste and its implementation in the legislation of the Member States of the European Union, waste prevention measures generally take precedence over waste management measures. Waste prevention measures for electrical and electronic equipment include, in particular, extending their service life by repairing defective equipment and selling functioning used equipment instead of sending it for disposal. Further information is available in the Federal Waste Prevention Programme with the participation of the Länder (Federal States):

https://www.bmu.de/publikation/abfallvermeidungsprogramm-des-bundes-unter-beteiligung-der-laender/

*Waste battery disposal

Help protect the environment by disposing of batteries and rechargeable batteries properly. Many units come with batteries or rechargeable batteries that are necessary for operation. As a rule, owners of waste equipment must separate these waste batteries and rechargeable batteries that are not enclosed within the waste equipment from the latter before handing them in at a collection point. As distributors of these batteries or rechargeable batteries, we are obliged to inform our customers that batteries must not be disposed of in household waste.

As a consumer, you are legally obliged to take batteries to a suitable collection point such as a retail shop or recycling centre. This disposal is free of charge for you. Addresses of suitable collection points can be obtained from your city or local administration. 

Returning the used battery by post is not permitted under certain circumstances due to the Dangerous Goods Ordinance.