Electrical appliances

It is impossible to imagine our everyday life without electrical appliances, but how should they be disposed of when they are defective? You are probably already aware that worn-out and defective electrical appliances are still valuable resources that contribute to environmental protection through proper recycling. But did you know that this also includes furniture such as electrically adjustable desks, smart textiles such as flashing shoes and cabinets with integrated lighting? This is regulated by the Act on the Marketing, Return and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ElektroG). Essentially, the distinction between large electrical appliances and small electrical appliances is important for proper disposal.

Please note:

  • Fluorescent tubes and energy-saving lamps must be disposed of separately! They contain a mercury gas mixture that is harmful to health and the environment if leaked. They must be disposed of separately and returned undamaged to recycling centers or designated collection points.
  • All batteries, button cells and rechargeable batteries contain environmentally hazardous substances. Since October 1998, the ordinance on the return and disposal of used batteries and accumulators obliges retailers to take back used batteries from consumers free of charge and to hand them over to a manufacturer's return system. This means: Batteries belong in appropriate collection containers and may not be disposed of in the residual waste bin!
  • Despite the advantages of battery-powered devices, you should remember how to avoid batteries because of the toxicity of these energy sources. Choose devices with power supply or solar devices, mechanical wristwatches. Above all, avoid battery-powered devices with a short life span (for example, disposable cameras and toys, cheap digital watches, sounding greeting cards, flashing jackets and shoes).
  • Cannibalized devices and device parts (for example, cables) must also not be disposed of in the residual waste bin. They, too, can be recycled properly at our recycling centers or via the red bin. Data contained on storage media must be deleted under your own responsibility before handing in the device (for example, cell phone, tablet, camera).

Additional information:

  • Many retailers, including online retailers, offer take-back systems for old electrical equipment. You can also hand in old electrical appliances there free of charge.
  • Functioning electrical appliances can be reused. First ask your friends and acquaintances, second-hand stores or charitable institutions whether they can be used.
  • Often it is also worth going to a Repair Café near you to continue using the electrical appliance.
  • You can find important tips under ReUse (German) and in our brochure "Wanted and Found" we have summarized important information for you.
  • Fluorescent tubes and energy-saving lamps must be disposed of separately! They contain a mercury gas mixture that is harmful to health and the environment if leaked. It is important that they are disposed of separately and returned undamaged to recycling centers or designated collection points.
  • All batteries, button cells and rechargeable batteries contain environmentally hazardous substances. Since October 1998, the ordinance on the return and disposal of used batteries and accumulators obliges retailers to take back used batteries from consumers free of charge and to hand them over to a manufacturer's return system. This means: Batteries belong in appropriate collection containers and may not be disposed of in the residual waste garbage can!
  • Despite the advantages of battery-powered devices, you should remember how to avoid batteries because of the toxicity of these energy sources. Choose devices with power supply or solar devices, mechanical wrist watches. Above all, avoid battery-powered devices with a short life span (for example, disposable cameras and toys, cheap digital watches, sounding greeting cards, flashing jackets and shoes).
  • Disassembled devices and device parts (for example, cables) must also not be disposed of in the residual waste garbage can. They, too, can be recycled properly at recycling centers or via thered garbage can. Data contained on storage media must be deleted under your own responsibility before handing in the device (for example, cell phone, tablet, camera).

Additional information:

  • Many retailers, including online retailers, offer take-back systems for old electrical equipment. You can also hand in old electrical appliances there free of charge.
  • Functioning electrical appliances can be reused. First ask your friends and acquaintances, second-hand stores or charitable institutions whether they can be used.
  • Often it is also worth going to a Repair Café near you to continue using the electrical appliance.
  • You can find important tips under ReUse and in our brochure"Wanted and Found" we have summarized important information for you.