Disposal and Return of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

1. Meaning of the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol

Electrical and electronic equipment that has become waste is referred to as end-of-life equipment. Owners of end-of-life equipment must ensure that it is collected separately from unsorted household waste. The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol on electrical and electronic equipment indicates that the device must be disposed of separately from unsorted household waste at the end of its useful life. Waste equipment does not belong in household waste but in special collection and return systems.

2. Removal of Batteries, Rechargeable Batteries, and Light Sources

Owners of end-of-life equipment must, as a general rule, remove used batteries and rechargeable batteries that are not enclosed within the equipment, as well as light sources that can be removed from the equipment without causing damage, before handing the equipment over to a collection point.

3. Personal Responsibility Regarding Personal Data

Please note that, as the end user, you are personally responsible for deleting personal data from the waste devices to be disposed of. Please ensure that all personal or sensitive data has been deleted from the device before returning it.

4. Options for returning old devices

In accordance with the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), we are obligated to accept the return of old devices free of charge under the following conditions:

• Returning small appliances (no side longer than 25 cm): You can return used electrical appliances with no external dimension longer than 25 cm (e.g., razors, small routers, smartphones) to us free of charge. This return is not contingent on the purchase of a new appliance. Returns are limited to a maximum of three used appliances per appliance type.
• Return of large appliances (at least one edge longer than 50 cm): When you purchase a new electrical or electronic device from us, we will accept your old device of the same type, which essentially performs the same functions as the new device, free of charge (1:1 trade-in). Please note: To logistically plan this pickup, we will actively ask you during the ordering process (at checkout) whether you would like to return such an old appliance when the new appliance is delivered. Pickup is usually handled by the shipping company that also delivers the new appliance.

5. Returning to Collection Points

Regardless of the options mentioned above, you can always drop off your old devices free of charge at municipal collection points (recycling centers) in your area. You can find an online directory of collection and return points near you here: e–schrott–entsorgen.org.