Information on waste prevention and management of used batteries 

Conserving resources 

Batteries and rechargeable batteries contain important raw materials that can be recycled. This reduces the need for new primary raw materials, which are in limited supply. After recycling, most of the recovered materials can be used for battery and rechargeable battery production. 

Protecting the environment 

Old batteries and rechargeable batteries contain toxic substances such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. If these are disposed of in household waste or in nature, they can leak and release toxic substances. This is dangerous for the environment and also for human and animal health. 

Ensuring safety 

Many accidents in waste collection vehicles or disposal facilities are caused by batteries that have been disposed of incorrectly in household waste. If an old battery ends up in household, residual, or organic waste, there is an increased risk of fires or explosions during the further disposal process. Correct disposal prevents damage and protects the environment. 

Remove batteries from old devices 

Many devices contain batteries, even if they are not immediately apparent, such as wireless keyboards. Batteries should be removed from old devices before disposal and disposed of separately via retailers or recycling centers. This only applies if the batteries are easily accessible and removable. Please also refer to the manufacturer's instructions.