Return of used batteries

Used batteries must be collected separately from unsorted municipal waste. The main component of batteries is usually metals. Their recovery contributes to the conservation of resources. However, batteries also contain substances that are hazardous to health and the environment. For this reason, disposal with household waste is prohibited. Waste portable batteries are returned to the retailer, free of charge for the consumer. Many municipalities also offer disposal via recycling yards or pollutant mobiles.

In addition, there are also so-called industrial batteries. These include drive batteries for electric bicycles and pedelecs as well as batteries from electric vehicles. These can also be returned to the distributor.

Vehicle batteries are also called starter batteries because they are used to start, illuminate, and ignite vehicles. Vehicle batteries can also be returned to the dealer free of charge. They contain large quantities of lead and are almost 100 percent recycled

The distributor's take-back obligation is limited to those used batteries that it carries or has carried as new batteries in its range as well as to normal household quantities.

Used batteries can be handed in at the following facilities:

• Municipal collection points (e.g. recycling centres)
• Retail collection points (at the seller's)
• You can also use the green bins of the Joint Take-Back System for Waste Portable Batteries (GRS).

Information on the disposal of used batteries can be obtained from:

Foundation Joint Take-Back System Batteries
Heidenkampsweg 44
20097 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 - 2377-88
Fax: +49 40 - 2377-87

None

free

Hint:

If the batteries are car starter batteries, the buyer must be charged a deposit of 7.50 euros at the time of sale if no used battery is returned at the time of purchase. The deposit is to be refunded when purchasing a new starter battery.

Further information

Retailers are obliged to inform customers of their obligation to return used batteries.

Private consumers must be informed in a clearly visible place by means of easily recognisable and legible signs about the possibility of returning used batteries free of charge at the point of sale and about the meaning of the symbols for batteries subject to labelling.

If these instructions are not given, not correctly, not completely or not in the prescribed manner, this is considered an administrative offence that can be punished with a fine. The same applies to the failure to take back the used batteries and make them available to the manufacturer.

Dealers of car starter batteries can also issue a deposit stamp when collecting a deposit and combine the deposit refund with the return of this stamp. The deposit does not apply if the starter battery is installed in a vehicle and is sold or passed on to the end user.

If a deposit is not levied or is not refunded or is not refunded in time, this is also considered an administrative offence punishable by a fine.

Notes (special features)

Dealers can register as a collection point with the Common Take-Back System for Batteries (GRS).