Battery Disposal & Take-Back of Waste Electrical Equipment
Important Information on the Disposal of Batteries and Rechargeable Batteries
Some devices delivered by us include batteries and/or rechargeable batteries (accumulators). As a distributor of batteries or devices containing batteries, we are legally obliged under the German Battery Act Implementation Act (BattDG) to inform you of the following:
Batteries must not be disposed of in household waste.
As an end user, you are legally obligated to return used batteries or rechargeable batteries so that they can be properly recycled or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Used batteries may contain harmful substances which—if not stored or disposed of correctly—can pose a risk to the environment or your health. At the same time, batteries contain valuable resources such as iron, zinc, manganese, or nickel that can be reused.
Where can I dispose of used batteries?
You can return used batteries that we currently stock or have stocked as new batteries free of charge at our dispatch warehouse: Leuchtenland.com GmbH, Wierlings Hook 4, 48249 Dülmen, Germany.
Alternatively, you may return them—free of charge—to local collection points or public waste collection facilities in your area. Important: When disposing of lithium batteries, please tape the terminals to avoid short circuits.
What do the symbols on batteries mean?
The symbols printed on batteries have the following meaning:
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol indicates that the battery must not be disposed of with regular household waste.
If a battery contains more than a certain amount of heavy metals, you will also see the following abbreviations underneath the crossed-out bin:
Pb: Battery contains more than 0.004% lead by weight.
Cd: Battery contains more than 0.002% cadmium by weight.
Hg: Battery contains more than 0.0005% mercury by weight.
These notices are also provided in the accompanying documents of your shipment or in the manufacturer’s instruction manuals.
For further details, please refer to the German Battery Act Implementation Act (BattDG) in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries and waste batteries.
Comprehensive information on the collection and recycling of used batteries as well as the associated costs under Article 56(4) of the EU Battery Regulation (Regulation 2023/1542) can be found at the “Batterie-Zurück” Initiative.
Please observe the above guidance carefully.
Taking Back Old Appliances (ElektroG)
Purpose of the ElektroG
What should you consider before returning?
How can you return old electronic devices?
This is how the return process works at Leuchtenland.com
Too Valuable and Too Hazardous for the Trash: Leuchtenland.com Ensures the Eco-Friendly Disposal of Your Old Electronic Devices
Old electrical and electronic devices do not belong in household waste. Some contain hazardous substances, while others hold valuable materials that can be recycled or reused. In Germany, consumers are legally obligated under the ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act) to ensure that such devices are disposed of properly and separately from household waste. To emphasize this, all new electrical and electronic devices sold since 2005 must feature the symbol of a crossed-out wheeled bin. This symbol serves as a visible reminder to conserve resources and protect the environment.
Proper Disposal, Recycling, or Reuse: The Goals of the ElektroG
The ElektroG ensures that collected devices are handled in a way that prevents the release of hazardous substances. Certified disposal companies treat these devices, neutralize harmful materials, and recover raw materials for reuse in new production processes. For some old appliances, the law also requires an assessment to determine whether they can be refurbished and reused. Second-hand devices, such as smartphones, PCs, and laptops, can often enjoy a second or even third life. By properly collecting and disposing of electrical and electronic waste, we protect the environment, reduce the strain on natural resources, and contribute to climate protection.
What to Consider Before Returning Electrical or Electronic Equipment
1.) Remove batteries and lamps: If your waste electrical and electronic equipment contains removable batteries, accumulators, or lamps, they must be separated from the device and disposed of separately.
2.) Delete personal data: If your electrical and electronic equipment has data storage, ensure you back up your files and permanently delete all personal data (e.g. messages, photos, music) before returning the device. Consumers are solely responsible for deleting their data.
Please also note:Once returned, old devices cannot be returned to you. They will be recycled in accordance with the ElektroG, and no refund or residual value compensation will be provided.
How to Return Your Old Electrical or Electronic Device
As of July 25, 2016, distributors of electrical and electronic equipment in Germany are required to take back waste electrical equipmentfrom private households free of charge. This applies to all distributors whose sales area (stationary dealers) or warehouse and dispatch area (mail order companies) is at least 400 square metres.
The following legal provisions apply:Larger deviceswith an edge length of more than 25 cm can be returned free of charge when purchasing a new electrical equipment of the same type (1:1 return), i.e. the old and new appliances must essentially fulfil the same functions and be assignable to an identical appliance category.Smaller devices up to 25 cm can be returned without purchasing a new product (0:1 return). Returns are limited to a maximum of three devices per type.
Please note: This return policy applies only within Germany. Discarded electrical devices can also be returned free of charge to local municipal recycling centres.
How Returns Work at Leuchtenland.com
Disposal of Large Devices in Connection with a New Purchase
When purchasing a new product in our online shop, you can return a similar old device free of charge. A device qualifies as "similar" if it serves the same purpose and belongs to the same type as the new one.
Here is how it works:
1.) Place your order as usual. During checkout, indicate that you would like to return a similar old device and add this as a free service.
2.) Our customer service team will contact you to arrange the return. If your old device meets the requirements, we will provide a prepaid return label. Once returned, we will ensure the proper disposal of your device.
Please ensure the device is disassembled and securely packed for collection.
Do you have questions about the process and return policy? Our customer service team is happy to assist you!
Disposal of Small Devices
Smaller devices with an edge length up to 25 cm can be returned at any time, regardless of a new purchase. Register your return through our partner WEEE Return, which ensures environmentally friendly recycling.
Visit the following link to register your return, find a drop-off point, or arrange for shipping to a collection centre:
Please note: According to legal requirements, returns of smaller devices without a new purchase are limited to a maximum of three devices per process.