Battery disposal

Guidelines for Battery Disposal

The symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin on batteries or accumulators indicates that they must not be disposed of in household waste when they reach the end of their life. If batteries or accumulators contain mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), or lead (Pb), you will find the respective chemical symbol below the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. You are legally obliged to return used batteries and accumulators after use. You can do this free of charge at retail stores or other collection points near you. Addresses of suitable collection points can be obtained from your city or municipal administration.

Batteries may contain substances harmful to the environment and human health. Special care should be taken due to the specific risks associated with lithium-containing batteries. The separate collection and recycling of old batteries and accumulators are intended to avoid negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Please avoid generating waste from old batteries as much as possible, for example by preferring batteries with a longer lifespan or rechargeable batteries. Please avoid littering public spaces by not leaving batteries or battery-containing electrical and electronic devices lying around carelessly. Please consider options to reuse a battery instead of disposing of it, such as reconditioning or repairing the battery.

The symbols depicted on the batteries have the following meanings:

The crossed-out waste bin symbol means that the battery should not be disposed of with household waste.

Please heed the above instructions.