The amendment to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulation (EAG-VO) expands take-back obligations for retailers. Starting October 1, 2026, new requirements will apply to the free take-back of certain waste electrical and electronic equipment containing batteries. We have summarized the most important information for affected companies.
What will change for retailers starting October 1?
Starting October 1, 2026, retail outlets with a sales area of at least 25 m² must accept certain very small waste electrical and electronic equipment containing batteries free of charge—even if the customer is not purchasing a new device at the same time.
The take-back obligation applies to very small waste electrical and electronic equipment containing batteries, with a maximum edge length of 25 cm. Take-back is limited to the type and typical quantity of such equipment supplied to end users.
Returns must be made at the store or in its immediate vicinity.
Which devices are subject to the new take-back requirement?
Examples of waste electrical and electronic equipment affected include:
- Disposable E-Cigarettes and Vapes
- Cell Phones and Smartphones
- Headphones and earbuds
- electric toothbrushes
- Electric razors
- Remote controls
- Calculator
- Power Banks
- electronic toys
- small kitchen appliances
- LED lights with built-in electronics
What should affected companies keep in mind now?
Companies affected by the new take-back obligations should, in particular:
- verify that their sales area is at least 25 m²,
- identify the affected product groups,
- provide suitable collection containers for return,
- Establishinternal procedures for returns,
- Informemployees about the new take-back requirements,
- Inform customers about the free return option and
- Ensure that the collected waste electrical and electronic equipment is properly handed over to authorized waste collectors or waste treatment facilities, or to a collection and recycling system for waste electrical and electronic equipment, such as Interzero.
Specific storage requirements may depend on the relevant operational regulations and permits and must therefore be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
All the information in one convenient download
We’ve summarized the most important information about the amendment to the EAG Regulation and the expanded take-back obligations for you in our information sheet.
Download the information sheet “Amendment to the WEEE Regulation: Expanded Take-Back Obligations for Retailers Effective October 1, 2026” as a PDF.
Do you have any questions?
Our experts will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding the new take-back obligations resulting from the amendment to the WEEE Directive.
Interzero customer service
Phone: 01 / 714 20 05-7220
Email: kundenberatung@interzero.at
About Interzero:
Interzero is one of the leading service providers in the field of closing product, material, and logistics loops, as well as an innovation leader in plastics recycling with the largest sorting capacity in Europe. Guided by the principle of “zero waste solutions,” the company supports over 80,000 customers across Europe in the responsible management of recyclable materials, thereby helping them improve their own sustainability performance and conserve primary resources. With approximately 2,000 employees, the company generates revenue of over one billion euros (2021). According to Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Interzero’s recycling activities saved 1.04 million metric tons of greenhouse gases and 8.09 million metric tons of primary raw materials in 2024 alone, compared to primary production. As a pioneer in the circular economy, Interzero is the recipient of the 2024 German Sustainability Award as well as the associated special prize in the “Resources” transformation category. For more information, visit www.interzero.at.
Find out more in our current brochure on ” resources SAVED by recycling “
