Notes on Batteries

Disposal of Electrical Appliances, Batteries and Accumulators

Information on return, collection and environmentally sound disposal.

Information on the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment

In Austria, special regulations apply to the collection, return and environmentally sound disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. We have summarised the most important information for you here.

Proper disposal of old appliances

1. Separate collection of old appliances
Electrical and electronic equipment that is no longer used and has become waste is considered waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This must not be disposed of with normal household waste.

Please dispose of WEEE exclusively at designated collection and return points. This way, they can be properly treated, recycled and valuable raw materials can be recovered.

2. Remove batteries and accumulators beforehand
Batteries and accumulators that are not permanently installed in the device must be removed before handing in the old device and disposed of separately.

Please pay particular attention to lithium batteries and accumulators to avoid short circuits. If batteries are not completely discharged, the poles should be insulated with adhesive tape before returning them.

3. Return options for WEEE
WEEE from private households can be handed in free of charge at municipal collection points, such as recycling centres, waste disposal sites or other designated return points.

When purchasing a new, equivalent electrical or electronic device, it is also possible to return a corresponding old device, provided that the legal requirements are met.

Information on collection points and proper disposal can be found, among other places, here:
www.elektro-ade.at

Returns for mail order

If you purchase an electrical or electronic device from us and wish to return an equivalent old device, please contact us in advance. We will then inform you about the appropriate return option and the next steps.

Please do not return old appliances to us without prior arrangement to ensure acceptance and proper disposal.

Contact for return inquiries:
Email: info@liebenswert.at
Phone: +43 1 595 52 55

Data protection and labelling

4. Note on data protection
Waste electrical and electronic equipment can contain personal and sensitive data. This applies in particular to information and telecommunication technology devices, such as computers, tablets or smartphones.

Please note that you are responsible for permanently deleting personal data from the device before disposal.

5. Meaning of the crossed-out wheelie bin
The symbol of the crossed-out wheelie bin on electrical and electronic equipment, batteries or accumulators indicates that these products do not belong in household waste at the end of their service life. They must be collected separately and disposed of properly.

Further information

Further information on the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and accumulators in Austria can be found at Elektroaltgeräte Koordinierungsstelle Austria GmbH and on the information page "Elektro ade".

www.eak-austria.at
www.elektro-ade.at

Notes on the return and disposal of batteries

Used batteries and accumulators must not be disposed of with household waste. You can return them free of charge to public collection points, recycling centres or in collection boxes in shops.

Information according to EU Battery Regulation

This document contains information on waste batteries in accordance with the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, hereinafter referred to as "Battery Regulation".

Retailers who provide batteries to end-users must provide certain information permanently, easily accessible and clearly visible. This includes, in particular, information on separate collection, return, safe handling and the meaning of the markings used.

Your contribution to waste prevention

As an end-user, you play an important role in waste prevention.

When using batteries and accumulators, please always observe the manufacturer's instructions for use, handling, storage and charging. This can extend the life of the batteries, avoid waste and protect the environment.

Separate collection of waste batteries

Batteries and accumulators contain valuable raw materials such as zinc, iron or nickel, which can be reused through recycling. At the same time, waste batteries can also contain pollutants that endanger people, animals and the environment.

Used batteries therefore do not belong in household waste. They must be collected separately and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.

The symbol of the crossed-out wheelie bin indicates that batteries must not be disposed of with household waste.

Batteries containing heavy metals may also be marked with chemical symbols:

Cd = Battery contains cadmium
Hg = Battery contains mercury
Pb = Battery contains lead

Please pay particular attention to potential dangers with damaged or improperly disposed of batteries. Batteries and accumulators can cause fires or pollute soil and water through leaking liquids.

Free return of batteries

You can return used batteries free of charge, for example at public collection points, recycling centres or wherever batteries are sold.

You can also return batteries of the type concerned to us free of charge after use or send them back to us after prior arrangement.

Please contact us before returning them so that we can inform you of the appropriate return address and the next steps:
info@liebenswert.at

Safety instructions for batteries and accumulators

Batteries containing harmful substances may be marked with the symbol of the crossed-out wheelie bin and, if applicable, with one of the chemical symbols Cd, Hg or Pb.

Lithium batteries and battery packs of all systems may only be handed in at collection points in a discharged state.

If batteries are not completely discharged, the battery poles, i.e. positive and negative, should be insulated with adhesive tape before returning them. This way, short circuits can be avoided.

Caution with button cells

Swallowing coin or button cells can lead to serious injuries and even death. If you suspect that a battery has been swallowed or has otherwise entered the body, please seek immediate medical attention.

Proper storage of batteries

Always store batteries in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place.
Keep batteries away from water, rain, snow, frost and moisture.
Do not store batteries near heat sources and do not expose them to direct sunlight.
Always keep batteries out of reach of children.