Buying a new electrical or electronic appliance, or a lamp? The retailer is required to take back your old, similar appliance free of charge. This applies both in-store and to online purchases.
Your old appliance does not have to have been bought from the same retailer, and it can be a different brand.
The take-back obligation applies to electrical and electronic appliances, as well as lamps. This includes, for example*:
Not sure whether your appliance is covered? Use our handy tool or contact us.
*This list is not exhaustive.
Not sure where to take your old appliance? Use our handy tool to find out where you can return your old electrical appliances free of charge in just a few clicks. We'll show you the nearest Recupel collection points, recycling centres and other collection points.
Yes. If you buy a new, similar appliance, the retailer is required to take back your old appliance free of charge. This also applies if your old appliance is a different brand or was not purchased from that retailer.
Yes. Broken electrical appliances are also covered by the take-back obligation. Your appliance does not need to be in working order to be returned free of charge.
However, it is important that the appliance is complete and has not been taken apart. This helps maximise the reuse and recycling of valuable parts and raw materials.
Yes. Online retailers must also offer a solution for taking back your old, similar appliance free of charge when delivering a new one.
Be sure to check in advance how the retailer organises this service. Some online retailers ask you to indicate this when placing your order.
Yes. Even if you're not buying a new appliance, there are still plenty of ways to dispose of your old electrical appliances free of charge.
You can take them to:
In addition, large electrical retailers with a sales area of more than 400 m² are required to take back small electrical appliances free of charge, even if you are not purchasing a new appliance.
Old electrical appliances contain many valuable raw materials. By collecting them correctly, these materials can be reused to make new products. This helps reduce the loss of valuable resources and supports the transition to a circular economy.
Some appliances also contain substances that need to be handled safely, such as refrigerators and freezers. By returning your old electrical appliances correctly, you also help protect the environment.
