Problem of disposal of electronic waste in Germany: New figures show alarming - falling collecting rates and increasing sales quantities

Problem of disposal of electronic waste in Germany: New figures show alarming - falling collecting rates and increasing sales quantities

The correct disposal of electronic waste is becoming an ever bigger problem in Germany. According to the new preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office, only 901,100 tons of electronic waste were collected throughout Germany in 2022. That is 105,300 tons less than in the previous year and corresponds to a collection rate of only 32 percent, although 65 percent are required. This is the lowest value in five years and indicates an alarming development.

At the same time, the amount of new electrical appliances sold has risen to 3.2 million tons, which corresponds to a doubling in the past ten years. This suggests that more and more electrical devices are in circulation but are not disposed of correctly.

Barbara Metz, Federal Manager of German Environmental Aid (DUH), comments concerned about this development and asks the Federal Environment Minister to determine binding collecting targets for manufacturers and to create consumer -friendly return options in retail. It also emphasizes that electrical appliances contain valuable raw materials, but also heavy metals, flame retardants and plasticizers that must be treated properly.

Another problem is the design of the statutory information obligations to withdraw electronic waste. Often, consumers are not sufficiently informed that electrical devices can also be returned in supermarkets. The DUH therefore calls for better communication and concrete requirements for consumer information.

Thomas Fischer, Head of Circular Economy at DUH, points out that the manufacturers can easily escape their responsibility as long as there is no mandatory indication of the withdrawal of old electrical devices and there are no consequences for low collective quotas. The DUH therefore demands that all manufacturers have to meet the statutory collection rate and publish their results.

Only 1.7 percent of the old devices collected are prepared for reuse, according to Duh. The DUH calls for a binding quota for preparation for reuse, similar to Spain or Belgium. In Germany, at least 15 percent of the electrical devices collected should be reused to save primary resources and CO2 emissions.

With regard to the withdrawal of electrical appliances in Germany, there are restrictions. Devices with an edge length less than 25 cm must be withdrawn free of charge from larger dealers and without buying a new device. If a new device with an edge length is bought larger than 25 cm, an old device with a similar function must be withdrawn free of charge. However, the DUH demands that all dealers should be obliged to take back similar old devices free of charge when buying a new one regardless of the sales area.

It is also noted that only 1.7 percent of the old devices collected in Germany are prepared for reuse. In comparison, countries such as Spain and Belgium are already binding quotas for reuse of electrical devices.

Overall, Germany is facing major challenges to ensure the correct disposal of electronic waste and increase the collective quota. Measures that everyone involved, including manufacturers and retailers, are better informed and better inform consumers.

Source: Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V./OTS