Since 25th July, 2016, the stationary distributors with a sales surface of 400 sqm for electrical devices, respectively online retailers with a storage and shipment surface (shelf space) of 400 sqm for electrical devices, have to take back used electrical devices free of charge. Used devices when purchasing a new identical device (1:1) as well as small devices with an edge length of up to 25 cm have to be taken back, even if no new device is being purchased (0:1). Also, B2B distributors are obliged to take back small devices from private households. That’s the theory. In practice the take-back in the trade is making slow progress, since the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) does not provide any penalties if the companies refuse to take back used devices. Only those, who take back devices, will have to be afraid of fines if they forget to report the quantities. Trade associations have called for a boycott of the obligation to take back used devices. The honest one was the fool.
The legislator strikes back
Early November, the German cabinet decided on an amendment of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), which provides a fine of up to 100,000 Euros for distributors behave against the law. According to the Federal Ministry of Environment, the execution should be reinforced and the distributors respecting the law should be protected against free riders. The new facts of these fines shall come into force on 1st June, 2017.
take-e-way tests the fully automatic take-back in Hamburg
In order to facilitate the take-back of used devices for trade purposes, VERE, take-e-way and TOMRA test a new take-back system in Hamburg, where used devices, lamps and batteries can be taken back by retailers almost without incurring any costs. Emptying, cleaning, resorting, recycling and reporting of quantities to the foundation EAR (German WEEE registration board) will be taken over by the system. take-e-way is looking for 10 retailers in Hamburg, who would test the system free of charge for 6 months. The take-e-back system is available to retailers and online merchants, which in fact is used by about one third of all distributors taking back used devices. Please find more information by sending an email to logistik@take-e-way.de or call +49/40/219010-770.
About take-e-way
- Founded in 2004 in Hamburg/Germany
- Currently 35 employees
- Managers: Jochen Stepp, Oliver Friedrichs
Business fields: The take-e-way GmbH assumes the implementation of bureaucratic and operative requirements and obligations of manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and distributors of electrical and electronic devices in Germany and abroad in the field of product responsibility according to the law (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act, WEEE, Battery Act, Packaging Ordinance, etc.).
VERE e.V.: The VERE Association for the take-back and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (VERE e.V. registered association) founded in 2003 is the organization having the largest number of members among providers, manufacturers, trade associations and individuals regarding the implementation of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG/WEEE) in Germany. VERE is the founding organization of take-e-way and get-e-right GmbH that offers the WEEE authorized representative. VERE also represents the interests of more than 3,700 companies at political level.
Press Contact
take-e-way GmbH
Christoph Brellinger
Corporate Communications
Schlossstr. 8 d-e
22041 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)40/750687-111
Fax: +49 (0)40/750687-101
http://www.take-e-way.com
presse[at]take-e-way.de
