Full compliance with WEEE, ElektroG, and BattDG – made easy with WEEE Return
Meeting Manufacturer and Importer Obligations in Compliance with the WEEE Directive, ElektroG, and BattDG
Anyone who manufactures electrical or electronic devices must register as a producer with the EAR Foundation (Stiftung EAR) and fulfill various legal obligations. Additionally, there are regulations that require even retailers—who do not produce devices themselves—to register as manufacturers.
WEEE Return GmbH is your reliable full-service partner for Europe-wide registration, recycling, and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment in accordance with the German ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act) and the European WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive). The company combines comprehensive consulting and service offerings with the operational disposal solutions provided by REMONDIS Electrorecycling GmbH – ensuring efficient and legally compliant implementation of all regulatory requirements.
You benefit from a powerful service package: from registration and collection to the proper and compliant disposal of your electrical devices – complemented by a wide range of administrative services and a strong international network.
Manufacturers and retailers selling electrical devices to end customers in other European countries can rely on WEEE Return to fully manage all country-specific registration and reporting obligations, ensuring complete legal compliance.
Moreover, manufacturers and distributors are effectively protected against competition-related warnings and fines that may result from violations of statutory requirements.
In addition, WEEE Return provides comprehensive advice on the German Battery Act (BattG) and supports you in fulfilling your related obligations.
What Are ElektroG and BattDG, and What Do They Regulate?
ElektroG
Law on the Marketing, Take-Back, and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment
The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) transposes the European WEEE Directive into national law. It requires manufacturers and retailers to register and ensure the proper disposal of their electrical and electronic devices. Consumers are encouraged to dispose of their old devices at official collection points to recover valuable raw materials and minimize environmental impact.
Obligations under the ElektroG:
- Registration with the EAR Foundation (Stiftung EAR) before placing electrical devices on the market
- Provision of take-back systems for old devices
- Labeling devices with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol
- Regular volume reporting and compliance documentation
BattDG
German Battery Law Implementation Act (Batterierecht-Durchführungsgesetz)
The German Battery Law Implementation Act (BattDG), together with the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, governs the collection, recycling and environmentally sound disposal of batteries and accumulators in Germany. It replaces the former German Battery Act (BattG) and introduces additional requirements for manufacturers, importers and distributors. The aim is to ensure the environmentally responsible disposal of waste batteries, reduce harmful substances and keep valuable raw materials in the circular economy.
Key obligations under the BattDG and EU Battery Regulation:
- Registration with Stiftung EAR (German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Register) for battery producers
- Participation in a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) or authorised individual fulfilment of extended producer responsibility obligations
- Labelling requirements, including the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol
- Collection and proper disposal of waste batteries in accordance with legal requirements
- Reporting and documentation obligations regarding the quantities of batteries placed on the market
Important: Battery producers based outside Germany without an establishment in Germany must appoint an Authorised Representative in Germany to fulfil their obligations under German battery legislation.
WEEE: Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
The WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) aims to minimize the environmental impact of waste electrical and electronic equipment across Europe. It places obligations on manufacturers, importers, and retailers to ensure the proper collection, reuse, recycling, and eco-friendly disposal of such products.
Company locations
The whole picture – with just a single click. Find out here where our branches are located, what services they offer and how to contact them.
The REMONDIS Group’s locations
Discover the world of REMONDIS with its approx. 1,500 branches and associated companies in over 30 countries.