Skip to content

How to properly dispose of batteries in Germany

Short guide on proper battery disposal.

How to properly dispose of batteries in Germany / Photo: Henryk Niestrój / Pixabay
How to properly dispose of batteries in Germany | Photo: Henryk Niestrój / Pixabay

In Germany, it is necessary to dispose of batteries in accordance with a set of rules. These power sources are present in the everyday life of every person, used in TV remote controls, children's toys, watches, flashlights, and many other items.

When it comes to battery disposal, extreme caution must be exercised. Batteries contain pollutants that can be harmful not only to the environment but also to one's health.

Disposing of batteries in Germany must be done in a specific way

Many people make a common mistake when replacing batteries in watches or TV remote controls. New batteries are installed in the device, and the old ones are simply thrown into the trash. This should never be done.

Under no circumstances should batteries be thrown into the regular garbage bin because they contain pollutants harmful to both people and the environment. Many batteries contain metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead, which are highly toxic and can cause serious environmental problems.

  • When these substances end up in landfills, they can seep into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term damage to the environment.
  • Old batteries can release hazardous fumes and particles, especially at incineration plants, affecting both the health of workers and air quality.
  • Furthermore, if batteries end up in regular waste, they can explode or ignite at incineration plants, leading to fires and other environmental risks.

This is highly dangerous.

Batteries should be disposed of at designated collection points or in containers specifically designed for this purpose. These collection points can be found in:

  • Supermarkets;
  • Electronics stores;
  • Recycling centers.

Another environmentally friendly option is battery recycling. Since batteries contain valuable materials such as metals that can be reused, waste recycling companies focus on extracting these materials from batteries.

This saves resources and reduces the environmental impact caused by the extraction of new raw materials.

Each person contributes to a healthier environment by properly disposing of batteries.

It's essential to avoid throwing batteries into the regular garbage bin due to the harmful pollutants they contain, such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. Instead, dispose of batteries at designated collection points or use containers specifically designed for battery disposal, which can be found in supermarkets, electronics stores, and recycling centers. Properly disposing of batteries contributes to a healthier environment and reduces environmental impact.

Comments

Latest

Grave accusations levied against JVA staff members in Bavaria

Grave accusations levied against JVA staff members in Bavaria

Grave accusations levied against JVA staff members in Bavaria The Augsburg District Attorney's Office is currently investigating several staff members of the Augsburg-Gablingen prison (JVA) on allegations of severe prisoner mistreatment. The focus of the investigation is on claims of bodily harm in the workplace. It's

Members Public