Electrical and Electronic Equipment – Information for Private Households

1. Separate Collection of Waste Equipment

Electrical and electronic equipment that has become waste is referred to as waste equipment. Owners of waste equipment must ensure that it is collected separately from unsorted municipal waste. Waste equipment does not belong in household waste, but rather in special collection and return systems.

2. Batteries and Accumulators

Owners of waste equipment must, as a rule, remove waste batteries and accumulators that are not enclosed by the waste equipment before handing it in at a collection point. This does not apply if the waste equipment is handed in to public waste management authorities and is separated from other waste equipment there for the purpose of preparing for reuse.

3. Options for Returning Waste Equipment

Owners of waste equipment from private households can hand it in at the collection points of public waste management authorities or at the return points set up by manufacturers or distributors in accordance with the ElektroG. An online directory of collection and return points can be found here: https://www.ear-system.de/ear-verzeichnis/sammel-und-ruecknahmestellen.jsf

4. Data Protection Notice

Waste equipment often contains sensitive personal data. This applies in particular to information and telecommunications devices such as computers and smartphones. Please note, in your own interest, that each end user is responsible for deleting the data on the waste equipment to be disposed of.

5. Meaning of the “Crossed-out Wheeled Bin” Symbol

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

6. Further Information

We are a member of the “take-e-back” return system. Further information can be found at www.take-e-back.de.

7. Notes on Battery Return

Further information can be found at the following link: www.batterie-zurueck.de or scan the QR code.

Information on Art. 74 of the EU Battery Regulation

Information on waste prevention and management of used batteries

This document contains information on used batteries in accordance with Art. 74 of the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (hereinafter "Battery Regulation").

According to Art. 74 of the Battery Regulation, retailers who provide batteries to end users must make certain information permanently and in an easily accessible and clearly visible manner available.

The role of end users with regard to contributing to waste prevention

As an end user, you play an important role in preventing waste.

Please observe the manufacturer's instructions regarding the use, handling, storage and charging of batteries when using them. This will significantly extend the service life of the batteries, avoid waste and relieve the environment.

The role of end users with regard to contributing to the separate collection of used batteries

Batteries and accumulators contain many raw materials such as zinc, iron or nickel, which can be returned to the usage cycle through recycling. Likewise, used batteries also contain harmful substances that can endanger and harm humans and the environment. Responsible handling of used batteries is therefore essential for humans and the environment.

Used batteries must not be disposed of in household waste, but must always be disposed of separately from household waste and in accordance with the applicable regulations and laws.

This shows the symbol of the crossed-out dustbin. Used batteries must therefore not be disposed of in household waste, but must be disposed of separately.

Batteries containing heavy metals are marked with the chemical symbols (Cd, Pb). These heavy metals can harm the health of humans and animals and damage the environment. As an end user, you are obliged to dispose of these batteries properly. Be aware of the dangers that can arise if damaged or improperly disposed batteries enter the environment. Such batteries can cause fires and leaking fluids can contaminate soil and water.

As an end user, you can return used batteries free of charge, e.g. at public collection points, recycling centres or where batteries are sold. You can also return batteries of the relevant type to us free of charge after use.

Further information on the collection and recycling of used batteries can also be found at www.batterie-zurueck.de.

The environmental costs pursuant to Art. 74 para. 5 of the Battery Regulation can be found at www.batterie-zurueck.de/de/bewirtschaftungvonaltbatterien/.

Safety instructions

Batteries containing harmful substances are marked with the symbol
and one of the chemical symbols

• Cd (= battery contains cadmium),
• Hg (= battery contains mercury) or
• Pb (= battery contains lead).

Lithium batteries and battery packs of all systems are also subject to the Battery Regulation and may only be handed in at collection points in a discharged state.

To protect against short circuits in the case of incomplete discharge, the battery terminals (+ and -) of these types must be insulated with adhesive tape before return if necessary.

Caution: Swallowing coin/button cells (small batteries) can cause serious injuries up to and including death. If you suspect that a battery has been swallowed or has entered the body in any other way, you must consult a doctor immediately.

Make sure that you store batteries in well-ventilated, dry and cool conditions.

Keep batteries away from water, rain, snow, frost and dew.

Do not store batteries near heat sources, do not expose batteries to direct sunlight.

Always keep batteries out of the reach of children.

Symbols on batteries