If you want to get rid of old electrical devices, you can also hand them over to the store – theoretically. According to German Environmental Aid, many retailers do not adhere to this. That’s why the organization is suing several chains.
Shops that sell electrical appliances must also take back old appliances. This is what the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act stipulates. But according to German Environmental Aid (DUH), many large food retailers do not comply with this obligation. According to its own information, the organization filed a lawsuit against Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, Lidl, Netto, the drugstore chain Rossmann and franchisees of Edeka and Rewe.
Between May and June 2023, the DUH tested in various branches whether electronic waste can be returned there. In many cases this was not possible. “Since the companies mentioned refused to remedy the identified violations or to exclude them in the future, the DUH filed lawsuits with the responsible regional courts,” explained the organization.
Authorities should Obligation to take back check
“The current collection rate for electronic waste is a shocking 39 percent, although 65 percent is required,” explained DUH Federal Managing Director Barbara Metz. This is also due to the fact that retail chains are waging a “real defensive battle” against legal obligations. “In this way, the supermarket chains are unsettling consumers and damaging the climate.”
Environmental aid also requires the authorities to monitor compliance with recycling requirements. “Laws are only taken seriously if they are monitored,” explained the DUH head of circular economy, Thomas Fischer. This has obviously not happened so far, which is why it is necessary to go to court.
Shared Obligation to dispose of waste
In Germany, the so-called shared product responsibility applies to the disposal of old electrical devices: In addition to the city and rural districts, which provide recycling centers or containers, manufacturers and sellers of electrical devices are also obliged to take back old devices free of charge – this also includes grocery stores.
The retailer must inform customers at the time of purchase about the free options for returning an old device or having it picked up when a new device is delivered. This also applies to products purchased online: For example, mail order companies can offer free return options or enter into partnerships with stores. Under no circumstances should old devices be disposed of in household waste.