Retailers fail to comply with e-waste collection point logo rules
Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has documented widespread violations and poor implementation of e-waste collection point signage and take-back obligations by supermarkets and drugstores. Many retailers are not adhering to new legal requirements.
Berlin – Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has uncovered significant shortcomings and violations by major retailers and drugstores in their implementation of new e-waste collection and information duties under the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). Spot checks conducted by the organization in 19 stores across ten chains between late July and early September revealed that many businesses are failing to meet legal requirements regarding the return of electronic devices.
According to DUH, some Edeka stores completely lacked the mandatory collection point logo at their entrances. Aldi, Müller, and Rossmann displayed signs that were too small and placed at exits rather than entrances, contrary to regulations. At one branch each of Netto Marken-Discount and Penny, customers were unable to return old electronics despite the presence of informational signs.
DUH is pursuing legal action against the identified violations, demanding that companies commit to properly informing consumers about return options for obsolete electronics and fulfilling their take-back obligations. "Consumers are not sufficiently informed that they can return small electrical appliances free of charge to stores without a new purchase," stated DUH's Federal Managing Director Barbara Metz. She emphasized the importance of proper e-waste disposal for both hazardous substance management and raw material recovery.
Lidl was highlighted as a positive example, with a clearly visible collection point logo at the entrance and information provided at the checkout regarding return possibilities. Kaufland stores had the correct logo but lacked information on the prohibition of disposal in household waste. Rewe stores exhibited particularly poor signage placement.
The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act mandates that food retailers with a minimum sales area of 800 square meters must visibly display a standardized collection point logo and inform customers at the point of sale that electronic items must not be disposed of with general waste.