Amendment to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) planned

On September 11, 2025, the German Bundestag discussed the draft of a second act amending the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (Elektro- und Elektronikgeräte-Gesetz, ElektroG).

What does the ElektroG regulate?   

The ElektroG regulates the placing on the market, take-back, and environmentally compatible disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. Among other things, it regulates the rights and obligations of manufacturers and distributors. 

What is the aim of the planned amendment to the ElektroG?

The amendment aims to increase the collection rate of waste of electrical and electronic equipment. It also aims to minimize the fire risks posed by lithium batteries, which are being used in more and more electrical equipment.

What are the key points of the planned amendment to the ElektroG?

Among other things, the draft stipulates that collection points in stores must be uniformly labelled in future so that customers can more easily identify where to return items. Customers will also be informed directly on the store shelf by the symbol of a crossed-out wheeled bin (WEEE-symbol) that they are purchasing an electrical appliance that must be disposed of separately. Furthermore, it is planned that waste of electrical and electronic equipment collected at recycling centers will be sorted exclusively by trained personnel. The take-back obligation for disposable e-cigarettes/vapes is to be extended.

What happens next? 

The draft has been referred to the Environment Committee (Umweltausschuss). The Federal Council (Bundesrat) has yet to issue a statement.

The current draft is available here.