As an end user, you are legally obliged to return used batteries so that they can be reprocessed or properly disposed of.
Used batteries may contain hazardous substances that can harm the environment or your health if not stored or disposed of properly. However, batteries also contain important raw materials, such as iron, zinc, manganese, or nickel, and can be recycled.
The symbols shown on the batteries have the following meanings:
The symbol of the crossed-out trash can means that the battery must not be disposed of in household waste.
For batteries containing a certain amount of lead, cadmium, or mercury, the following additions under the symbol with the crossed-out trash can indicate the respective hazardous substances:
Pb = Battery contains more than 0.004% lead by mass
Cd = Battery contains more than 0.002% cadmium by mass
Hg = Battery contains more than 0.0005% mercury by mass
Information about the included costs according to Article 56 paragraph 4 of the EU Battery Regulation (Regulation 2023/1542) can be found at the initiative "Batterie-Zurück".
