Bundestag passes ElektroG – Amendment to take effect in early 2026
Late in the evening of 6 November 2025, the German Bundestag adopted the amendment to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). The law formally enters into force on 28 November 2025, the day after its publication in the Federal Law Gazette, while most new provisions apply from 1 January or 1 July 2026.
Key points of the amendment
The revision of the ElektroG aims to facilitate the collection and disposal of waste electrical equipment and to clarify existing obligations. According to various media reports, the following aspects are particularly in focus:
Expanded take-back obligations: Retailers will be required to take back waste equipment more extensively. A key element is the new take-back obligation for e-cigarettes – not only disposable models but also reusable vapes and heated tobacco products. The goal is to prevent circumvention strategies and to create a uniform disposal pathway for consumers.
Simplified reporting of own take-back activities: These must now be reported only annually instead of monthly.
Increased safety at collection points: The law again addresses the fire risk posed by improperly disposed or damaged lithium batteries. Municipal collection points will receive clearer legal requirements and extended labelling rules.
Improved consumer information: Information obligations will be clarified to ensure that waste equipment can be identified more easily and disposed of correctly.
Bundesrat waives mediation committee
In advance, the Environment Committee of the Bundesrat had recommended convening the mediation committee, arguing that the planned measures on e-cigarettes were insufficient from the perspective of the federal states. The committee called for a complete ban on disposable vapes – referring to the rising number of fires in waste facilities linked to improperly disposed devices.
However, on 21 November 2025, the chamber of the federal states decided not to follow this recommendation. This cleared the way for the swift entry into force of the ElektroG. In an accompanying protocol statement, the Federal Government also signalled its willingness to prepare a ban on disposable e-cigarettes. This would, however, require approval from the EU Commission.
