following meaning:
1-7: Plastics
20–22: paper and cardboard
80-98: Composites.
Disposal of the electrical device
The symbol with the crossed-out dustbin means that
electrical and electronic equipment must not be
disposed of together with household waste. Con-
sumers are legally obliged to dispose of electrical
and electronic equipment at the end of their life separately
from unsorted municipal waste. This is to ensure environ-
mentally friendly and resource-saving recycling. Batteries
and rechargeable batteries that are not an integral part of
the electrical or electronic device and can be removed wit-
hout being destroyed, must be separated from the device
before handing it in at a collection point for designated
disposal. The same applies to lightbulbs that can be remo-
ved from the device without being destroying. Owners of
electrical and electronic equipment who are private indi-
viduals can hand them in at the collection points operated
by the public waste disposal agencies or at the collection
points set up by manufacturers or distributors. Returning
used devices is free of charge. This free take-back obli-
gation applies both to purchases in shops and to home
deliveries. The place of performance of the obligation to
take back is the same as the place of performance of the
delivery. Transport costs may not be charged for returned
equipment. In general, distributors have the obligation to
ensure the free return of used devices by providing suitable
return facilities within a reasonable distance. Consumers
have the option to return an old device free of charge to a
distributor who is obliged to take it back if they purchase
an equivalent new device with essentially the same func-
- 24 -
tion. This option is also available for deliveries to a private
household. In the case of distance selling retailers, the
option of free collection when purchasing a new device
is limited to heat exchangers, display screen devices,
and large devices that have at least one outer edge with
a length of more than 50 cm. The distributor must ask
the consumer at the time of concluding the sales contract
about any corresponding intention to return the product.
Beyond this, consumers can hand in up to three old de-
vices of one type free of charge at a distributor's collection
point without this being linked to the purchase of a new
device. However, the edge lengths of the respective de-
vices must not exceed 25 cm.
Remove the battery without destroying it before disposal
and dispose of it separately (see Disposal of batteries).
Disposal of batteries
This symbol indicates that batteries and recharge-
able batteries must not be disposed of with normal
household waste. You are legally obliged to hand
them in free of charge at the end of their service life at a
public collection point or at the collection points set up by
distributors for recycling.
Batteries and rechargeable batteries that are not firmly
enclosed by the device and can be removed non-destructi-
vely must be separated and disposed of as intended when
discharged. Recycling waste equipment and batteries is
an important contribution to the protection of our environ-
ment. If disposed of improperly, toxic ingredients that
have harmful effects on the health of humans, animals and
plants can enter the environment.
Below are some best practices and recommendations to
extend the life of your single-use or rechargeable batteries
- 25 -