Important Information on Returning Used Batteries
Old, used, or defective laptop, notebook, or e-scooter batteries must never be disposed of in household waste!
Reason: Batteries contain toxic substances like mercury, cadmium, and lead, which harm the environment when improperly disposed of. However, old batteries are valuable as recycled materials, such as lithium, are more cost-effective and conserve resources. Additionally, valuable materials like zinc, steel/iron, aluminum, nickel, copper, silver, manganese, and cobalt can be recovered through recycling.
In Germany, there is a legal regulation for battery disposal (BattG).
The main rules are:
- Consumers are required to use return options or arrange proper disposal themselves.
- Retailers selling batteries or devices with batteries must take them back for disposal, but only the types they sell.
Batteries purchased from us can be safely packaged and returned free of charge. What should you keep in mind?
Lithium-ion batteries, like those used in laptops, notebooks, or e-scooters, must be secured against short circuits. Simply cover the contacts with adhesive tape. Avoid exposing batteries to moisture, such as storing them in a refrigerator. Leaking batteries should be individually packed in plastic bags.
When shipping by post, the package must be appropriately labeled. Suitable labels can be found online.
The full collection containers are picked up by the Joint Battery Return System Foundation (GRS), which has been handling free battery collection and disposal in Germany since 1998.
Important Note: Damaged Li/Ion and Li/Po batteries must not be shipped according to ADR transport regulations.
Chemical Designation Near the Trash Bin Symbol:
- Hg: Battery contains mercury
- Cd: Battery contains cadmium
- Pb: Battery contains lead
Battery Regulation