WEEE & Battery Directive
Information on the WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU
Meaning of the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol means that you are legally obliged to dispose of these appliances separately from unsorted municipal waste, i.e. old appliances must be disposed of separately from household waste. Batteries or rechargeable batteries that are not permanently installed must be removed beforehand and disposed of separately.
A bar under the waste bin means that the product was placed on the market after 13 August 2005.
Options for returning old appliances
Owners of WEEE can return or collect it within the framework of the possibilities set up and available by public waste management authorities to ensure proper disposal.
Personal data
All end-users of WEEE are reminded that you are responsible for deleting personal data from the WEEE to be disposed of.
Information on the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC
In the following, whenever reference is made to batteries or accumulators, waste portable batteries or accumulators are meant.
Meaning of the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol means that you are legally obliged to dispose of batteries or accumulators separately from unsorted municipal waste, i.e. that they must be disposed of separately from household waste. If batteries or accumulators contain more than 0.0005 mass percent mercury, more than 0.002 mass percent cadmium or more than 0.004 mass percent lead, they are marked with the chemical symbols of the metals (Hg, Cd, Pb) for which the limit value is exceeded.
Options for returning batteries or accumulators
Owners of batteries or accumulators can return them free of charge after use to the collection facilities set up by public waste management authorities or directly to retailers to ensure proper disposal. Addresses of suitable collection points can be obtained from your city or municipal administration.
Waste prevention measures and measures to avoid littering
Reduce the generation of waste from batteries as much as possible by using batteries with a longer life or rechargeable batteries. Do not simply leave batteries or battery-operated electrical and electronic equipment lying around and thus avoid littering the environment.
Options for preparing for the recycling of used batteries
Check the possibility of recycling spent batteries.
Possible effects of substances contained in batteries on the environment and human health
Batteries or accumulators may contain substances that have possible negative effects on human health as well as on the environment. In particular, lithium-containing batteries must be handled with care due to the special risks, e.g. fire hazard or risk of ingestion in the case of button cells.
Importance of separate collection and recycling
The separate collection and recycling of batteries and accumulators make an important contribution to reducing the burden on the environment and avoiding health hazards.