Information in accordance with the Battery Act (BattG)

1. Returning used batteries and accumulators

In accordance with § 18 of the Battery Act (BattG), as an end user, you are legally obliged not to dispose of old batteries and accumulators in your household waste. Instead, you can:

  • return them free of charge to one of our sales outlets,
  • hand them in at municipal collection points (e.g. recycling centres),
  • or return them to retailers where similar devices/batteries are sold.

(Source: § 18 BattG | Laws on the Internet)

2. Meaning of the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol

The symbol ‘crossed-out wheelie bin’ means that batteries do not belong in household waste. (see graphic next to this text on the page) Below this, some products have chemical abbreviations that indicate the presence of harmful substances, e.g.:

  • Cd = cadmium
  • Hg = mercury
  • Pb = lead

These labels are required by law in accordance with § 6 BattG (German Battery Act) to provide information about ingredients that are hazardous to health and the environment.

(Source: § 6 BattG | Laws on the Internet)

3. Disposal obligations specific to devices with batteries

If you wish to dispose of a device such as a generator with a built-in rechargeable battery or battery, please note the following:

  • Batteries must be removed and disposed of separately in accordance with the return options specified in § 18 BattG.
  • Devices from which the battery cannot be easily removed are still considered to be waste electronic equipment and must be returned via the usual channels (municipal collection points, retailers) – see Information in accordance with the ElektroG.

4. Information on electronic display

Please ensure:

  • that the symbol with the appropriate explanation is displayed directly next to products or in the information section,
  • that the abbreviation legend (Cd, Hg, Pb) is clearly visible and understandable,
  • and that the information is easily accessible (e.g. on product pages or in the footer area under ‘Legal’)

FAQ format (optional, good for user-friendliness)

Question Answer
Why can't I throw batteries in the household waste? Batteries contain hazardous substances and can harm the environment and human health. The Battery Act requires that they be returned to collection points or retailers.
Where can I dispose of old generator batteries? At our shop (if available) or at municipal recycling centres, retailers and other collection points.
What does the crossed-out bin with Cd/Hg/Pb mean? The symbol is required by law: batteries must not be disposed of in household waste. Cd, Hg and Pb indicate the content of harmful substances.

Return of used batteries: As a distributor, we are obliged to take back used batteries free of charge. You can return them to our shipping location or to municipal collection points.