Two recent court rulings have once again confirmed the legal take-back obligations for electrical and electronic equipment in the retail sector. The Regional Courts of Verden and Würzburg have ruled that both Aldi Nord and an Edeka supermarket must take back old small electrical appliances free of charge.
This was triggered by spot checks carried out by an environmental organisation, which found that it was not possible to return old appliances at individual stores. The court rulings make it clear that the implementation of take-back obligations under the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) continues to require careful attention in the retail sector.
A functioning take-back system contributes to the fulfilment of legal requirements, while also helping to conserve resources and ensure the safe disposal of components containing harmful substances. According to the latest statistics, the collection rate for electronic waste in Germany is currently around 29.5 per cent, which is well below the statutory target of 65 per cent.
Practical knowledge for retailers: Correct implementation of distributor obligations
In our 'Distributor Obligations Package' (hyperlink: https://bitkom-compliance-solutions.com/en/node/612), we provide a comprehensive overview of the obligations for distributors of electrical and electronic equipment in Germany. This information is presented in a one-hour online meeting, where we also highlight typical pitfalls and answer your individual questions. Participants will also receive our practical implementation guide to support them in their day-to-day work.
