3-year take-back obligation: Many supermarkets still don't accept e-waste

Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has drawn a “disastrous conclusion” after three years of the obligation to take back used small electrical appliances in supermarkets and drugstores. In test visits from April to May, the organization randomly checked 21 branches of nine supermarket and drugstore chains. In almost half of the stores inspected, the inspectors were unable to get rid of their electronic waste. The DUH also complained on Monday that “mandatory consumer information” was sometimes missing on site.

The DUH therefore announced that it would file a lawsuit against companies in the Edeka Group, Aldi-Nord, Netto Marken-Discount and Müller-Drogeriemarkt. In five other cases, however, consumer rights were successfully enforced. Stores in the Rewe, Edeka and Norma chains had given in and issued cease-and-desist declarations with penalty notices. According to the DUH, the companies undertook to ensure the return of electronic waste in the future.

The Bundestag passed the reform of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) in 2021. This will oblige food retailers, supermarkets, and discount stores with a sales area of at least 800 square meters to take back electronic devices such as razors, cell phones or power banks when they are sold. Up to an edge length of 25 centimetres, the right of return should not depend on whether customers buy a new device. The Koblenz Higher Regional Court recently clarified following a complaint by DUH: Lidl must take back used devices free of charge in larger stores.

Professional collection bins recommended at checkouts

Supermarkets repeatedly try to avoid responsibility by claiming that their total sales area is too small, complains DUH. This also complicates enforcement and makes it difficult for consumers to identify drugstores and supermarkets that are obliged to take back waste. Clearer obligations for retailers should therefore be defined in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act. There is an urgent need for mandatory uniform labeling of all collection points in retail and a take-back obligation for all supermarkets and drugstores, regardless of size.

Considering the “poor record” that has come to light, DUH Managing Director Barbara Metz called on the enforcement authorities of the federal states to finally take tough action against the “blockade attitude” of the markets. In addition, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) must “fundamentally better regulate” the requirements for taking back electronic waste from retailers in the planned amendment to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act so that consumers have sufficient return points in retail outlets and are better informed. The DUH advocates professional collection containers near the checkout area or a personal handover option to trained staff.

(kbe)