The German Bundestag has passed a law simplifying the return of old electrical devices and used e-cigarettes. Retailers must now uniformly label return points, and e-cigarettes can be returned unrestrictedly. At the same time, a ban on disposable e-cigarettes is under review.
Late in the evening, the Bundestag passed a law simplifying the return of e-waste and e-cigarettes. The aim is to improve collection rates and secure resources for the circular economy. CDU parliamentarian Florian Bilic stated: «The collection of resources from electrical devices is valuable for the circular economy.»
Retailers are required to uniformly label return points for old mobile phones, flashlights, or electric shavers. This is intended to make the process more transparent for consumers.
For e-cigarettes, these can now be returned unrestrictedly and free of charge at all sales points – even without purchasing a new product. Contrary to initial plans, the regulation applies not only to disposable products but also to reusable e-cigarettes and electronic tobacco heaters.
At the same time, the parliament, with a majority from CDU/CSU and SPD, adopted a resolution. This calls on the federal government to examine a national ban on disposable e-cigarettes, as these controversial single-use products face criticism.
Additionally, the risk of fires from improperly disposed or damaged lithium batteries is to be reduced. To this end, old electrical devices at recycling centers may only be sorted into collection containers by trained personnel. The law thus contributes to safety and environmental protection.