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 equipment from 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 devices with 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.
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.
Important Information About Batteries and Accumulators
Some devices include batteries or rechargeable batteries. As a distributor, we are legally obligated under Section 12 of the German Batteries Act to inform you of the following:
As a consumer, you are required by law to return batteries and accumulators after use. Disposal in household waste is prohibited. You can return batteries free of charge at municipal collection points, local retail stores, or by sending them to us. If you return batteries or accumulators to us, please ensure that sufficient postage is paid and send them to the following address: Leuchtenland.com GmbH, Wierlings Hook 4, 48249 Dülmen, Germany. Batteries containing hazardous substances are marked with a crossed-out wheeled bin and the chemical symbol for the hazardous material (e.g., "Cd" for cadmium, "Pb" for lead, "Hg" for mercury).
You will also find this information in the documents accompanying our shipments or in the manufacturer's operating instructions.
For more information, refer to the Batteries Act: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/battg/