Disposal of Old Appliances


Legal Requirements

In Germany, the proper disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment is a legal obligation under the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), based on the EU WEEE Directive. Since 2005, producers, retailers, and consumers are jointly responsible for ensuring environmentally sound collection and recycling.

  • Consumers must not dispose of old devices in household waste.

  • Retailers must accept returns under certain conditions.

  • Producers must register and ensure proper treatment of collected equipment.

Return and Disposal Options

1. Return to Retailers

  • Small devices (≤ 25 cm): Can be returned for free to any electronics retailer with sales area ≥ 400 m² – even without purchasing a new item.

  • Large devices: Accepted free of charge when buying a new device of the same type (e.g. old washing machine taken with new one).

2. Municipal Collection Services

  • Drop-off at recycling centers: Free and widely available.

  • Pickup service: Many cities offer collection for a small fee (e.g. €10–30).

  • Scheduled collection days: Some municipalities organize community recycling days for bulk disposal.

3. Manufacturer Programs
Some brands (e.g., Siemens, Bosch) offer dedicated take-back services via customer support or online registration.

Environmental Handling

Devices are professionally dismantled at certified facilities:

  • Cooling devices: Coolants and oils are removed to prevent pollution.

  • Hazardous components: Batteries, circuit boards, and other parts are treated separately.

  • Reusable devices: Cleaned and repaired for resale or donation.

Data Protection

Please delete all personal data from devices like smartphones or laptops before handing them over. Collection sites do not offer data deletion.

Device Label

Look for the symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin. It indicates that the item must not be discarded with regular household waste.

Penalties

Illegal disposal may result in fines. As of 2023, sellers on platforms like Amazon must provide a valid WEEE registration number, or their listings will be removed.

Environmental Benefits

Germany recycles around 1.8 million tons of e-waste each year, with a recovery rate above 80%:

  • Recovery of valuable metals (copper, aluminum, gold, silver)

  • Plastics reused for fuel or construction materials

Online Services

  • Find recycling points: Via municipal websites or recycling platforms

  • WEEE registration: Required for non-German companies via authorized representatives