Information in accordance with the ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act – WEEE)

1. Disposal obligation for electrical and electronic equipment

According to § 17 of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment in household waste is prohibited. Consumers are legally obliged to return old appliances free of charge to public collection points (e.g. municipal collection points) or retail collection points (when purchasing or returning comparable appliances).

This procedure contributes to the protection of the environment and health and enables the proper 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 registered with the EAR Foundation (Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register) and listed under WEEE Reg. No. [PLEASE ENTER HERE].

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

3. Note on the ‘crossed-out wheelie bin’

The symbol ‘crossed-out wheelie bin’ indicates that the device does not belong in household waste, but must be disposed of at an official collection point.

This labelling requirement is regulated in Section 6 (1) sentence 2 ElektroG (German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act).

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

4. What does this mean in practice?

  • After use, please return the device to either:
    • your local collection point (e.g. recycling centre),
    • our point of sale (if take-back is offered), or
    • another take-back point where similar devices 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 can't I throw old appliances in the household waste? Electrical appliances contain harmful substances and valuable raw materials. Proper disposal is required by law and helps protect the environment.
Where can I dispose of my old generators? At municipal collection points (e.g. recycling centres) or retail collection points. We sometimes offer direct returns – see our information.
What does the symbol with the crossed-out wheelie bin mean? It indicates that the appliance must not be disposed of in household waste, but must be returned via special return channels.

Sources for legal background information:

  • ElektroG, §§ 6, 17 – on labelling and take-back obligations: Laws on the Internet
  • EAR (Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register) – on registration requirements: www.stiftung-ear.de
  • Federal Environment Agency – background information on WEEE: umweltbundesamt.de