Information according to the ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act - WEEE)

1. obligation to dispose of electrical and electronic equipment

According to § 17 of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment with household waste is prohibited. Consumers are legally obliged to dispose of old appliances free of charge at public take-back facilities (e.g. municipal collection centres) or trade take-back centres (when selling or returning comparable appliances).

This procedure contributes to the protection of the environment and health and enables the professional recycling and reuse of valuable raw materials.

(Source: § 17 ElektroG, laws on the Internet)

2. our registration with the EAR Foundation

We carefully comply with all legal obligations on your behalf:

Our company is registeredwith the EAR Foundation (Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register) and is listed under the WEEE reg. no. [PLEASE ENTER HERE].

See also: EAR Foundation - www.stiftung-ear.de

3. note on the "crossed-out wheeled bin" symbol

The "crossed-out wheel ie bin" symbol indicates that the device should not be disposed of with household waste, but must be disposed of at an official collection centre.

This labelling obligation is regulated in § 6 para. 1 sentence 2 ElektroG.

(Source: § 6 ElektroG, laws on the Internet)

4 What does this mean in practice?

  • After use, please leave the appliance either at:
    • Your municipal collection centre (e.g. recycling centre),
    • our point of sale (if take-back is offered), or
    • another collection point where similar appliances are sold (e.g. DIY stores), free of charge.
  • Please note that certain devices such as starter batteries or special devices may have special return rules - please also refer to our information on the Battery Act (BattG).

FAQ (optional, for user-friendliness)

Question Answer
Why am I not allowed to dispose of an old appliance in household waste? Electrical appliances contain harmful substances and valuable raw materials. Proper disposal is required by law and serves to protect the environment.
Where can I dispose of my old generators? At municipal collection points (e.g. recycling centres) or take-back points in shops. Sometimes we also offer direct return - see our instructions.
What does the symbol with the crossed-out wheelie bin mean? It indicates that the device must not be disposed of with household waste, but must be returned via special return channels.

Sources for legal background:

  • ElektroG, §§ 6, 17 - for labelling and take-back obligation: laws on the Internet
  • EAR (Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register) - on the obligation to register: www.stiftung-ear.de
  • Federal Environment Agency - background information on WEEE: umweltbundesamt.de