The amendment to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) was passed on 6 November 2025. It transposes the amended EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) of March 2024 into German law. The aim is to improve the collection and disposal of old electrical appliances and, in particular, to reduce the risk of fire from incorrectly disposed of or damaged lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly being used in electrical appliances. The amendment provides for important changes for both retailers and local authorities.

In future, retailers must clearly and uniformly label where consumers can return their old appliances. When purchasing electrical appliances, they must also inform consumers that the items must be disposed of separately by displaying the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol directly on the shelf. In future, every point of sale must also take back e-cigarettes free of charge, regardless of purchase. Waste electrical and electronic equipment may only be sorted by specialised personnel at municipal collection points and recycling centres. The amendment provides for transitional periods of 6 to 12 months until the end of 2026 for individual obligations.

„The amendment poses considerable organisational and financial challenges for retailers and local authorities. Local authorities should, for example, review their collection and disposal structure at an early stage, revise safety precautions and train staff accordingly,“ recommends lawyer Izabela Bochno.