discounter - Electronic waste return: Court sees deficit at Aldi Nord
According to a court ruling in Cologne, Aldi Nord had deficiencies regarding the statutory obligation to take back electronic waste. An employee of the German Environmental Aid (DUH) attempted unsuccessfully last year to return three electronic appliances at an Aldi Nord store in North Rhine-Westphalia for testing purposes. The discount store should have accepted these items but did not. An Aldi Nord employee reportedly had no knowledge of the regulation.
The Cologne Regional Court ordered the company to pay 386.20 Euros plus interest (Case No. 84 O 124/23). This amount is insignificant for the retail giant, but the judgment reveals weaknesses in Aldi Nord. Moreover, high fines of up to 250,000 Euros may be imposed for further neglect. Environmental activists aim to increase pressure on retailers with such judgments to ensure that companies take the return obligation seriously.
Lidl and Aldi Süd have also been dealt court rulings
In two other Aldi Nord stores, the disposal of old appliances reportedly went smoothly. However, a similar issue occurred in another store, but it was not part of the Cologne proceedings. The German Environmental Aid (DUH) is not only targeting Essen's discounter - they have also found issues with other retailers: Similar judgments against Aldi Süd and Lidl have already been issued at other courts.
In the latest ruling, Aldi Nord initially argued that the refusal to take back the appliances had not occurred. However, an Aldi Nord cashier later testified that she had no knowledge of such a duty. This was considered a breach of law. The judgment is available to the dpa.
Demand for stricter controls
Barbara Metz from the German Environmental Aid emphasized the importance of the return obligation, which has been in effect since the beginning of 2022, in a press release from her organization. "When electronic waste is disposed of incorrectly, valuable raw materials are lost, and the heavy metals, flame retardants, and softeners contained in them endanger the environment," says the DUH federal managing director.
"The fact that the involved Aldi cashier had no knowledge of the return of electronic waste is concerning and symptomatic of the reluctance of large supermarkets," she added. Metz urges supermarkets and drugstores to ensure the return of old electronic appliances in all their stores and to inform their staff accordingly. Authorities should also strictly enforce the regulation.
Reaction from the Discounter
Aldi Nord declined to comment on the Cologne court ruling upon request. However, a company spokesperson noted that the return of electronic waste was regulated uniformly in all around 2,200 Aldi Nord stores. "Our employees are, of course, trained accordingly," the Aldi Nord spokesperson said. "There are clear guidelines and corresponding containers where old appliances are stored and returned to the circular economy."
Since July 2022, supermarkets and discounters with a sales area larger than 800 square meters are required to take back electronic devices with a maximum edge length of up to 25 centimeters for free. This includes, for example, razors, electric toothbrushes, chargers, and small toasters. If the devices are larger, they only need to be returned when the customer purchases a comparable new device in the same store.
- The court ruling in Cologne highlighted deficiencies in Aldi Nord's adherence to the German law requiring retailers to take back electrical waste.
- The German Environmental Aid (DUH) encountered issues when attempting to return three electronic appliances at an Aldi Nord store in North Rhine-Westphalia for testing purposes.
- Lidl and Aldi Süd have also faced court rulings related to the return of electronic waste, indicating a broader issue within the discounter sector.
- Barbara Metz from the German Environmental Aid emphasized the importance of the return obligation, highlighting the environmental consequences of improper electronic waste disposal.
- The spokesperson for Aldi Nord acknowledged the requirement for retailers to take back electronic waste in their stores, assuring that appropriate training and guidelines are in place.
- North Rhine-Westphalia is not the only region where retailers have been found to be lacking in their adherence to the electronic waste return obligation - similar judgments against Aldi Süd and Lidl have been issued at other courts.
- The disposal of old appliances in ALDI stores, including Lidl and Aldi Süd, should be handled with caution and adherence to the return obligation to prevent negative environmental impacts and potential fines.
