Notes on Batteries
Disposal of Electrical Appliances, Batteries and Accumulators
Information on the Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Appliances
In Austria, special regulations apply to the collection, return, and environmentally sound disposal of electrical and electronic appliances. We have summarized the most important information for you here.
Proper Disposal of Old Appliances
1. Separate Collection of Old Appliances
Electrical and electronic appliances that are no longer used and have become waste are considered waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). These must not be disposed of with normal household waste.
Please only deposit waste electrical appliances at designated collection and return points. This way, they can be professionally treated, recycled, and valuable raw materials 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 appliance and disposed of separately.
Please take particular care to avoid short circuits with lithium batteries and accumulators. If batteries are not completely discharged, the terminals should be insulated with adhesive tape before returning them.
3. Return Options for Waste Electrical Appliances
Waste electrical appliances from private households can be returned free of charge at municipal collection points, such as recycling centers, waste disposal sites, or other designated return points.
When purchasing a new, equivalent electrical or electronic appliance, there is also the option to return a corresponding old appliance, 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 Orders
If you purchase an electrical or electronic appliance from us and wish to return an equivalent old appliance, please contact us beforehand. We will then inform you about the appropriate return option and further steps.
Please do not return old appliances to us without prior arrangement, to ensure acceptance and proper disposal.
Contact for return inquiries:
Email: info@liebens-wert.at
Phone: +43 1 595 52 55
Data Protection and Labeling
4. Note on Data Protection
Waste electrical appliances can contain personal and sensitive data. This applies particularly 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 wheeled bin
The symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin on electrical and electronic appliances, batteries, or accumulators indicates that these products do not belong in household waste at the end of their life. They must be collected separately and disposed of properly.
Further Information
Further information on the disposal of waste electrical appliances, batteries and accumulators in Austria can be found at Elektroaltgeräte Koordinierungsstelle Austria GmbH and on the "Elektro ade" information page.
Information 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 at public collection points, recycling centers, or in collection boxes in stores.
Information according to the EU Battery Regulation
This document contains information on waste batteries in accordance with 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 battery life, prevent 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 harmful substances that endanger humans, animals, and the environment.
Used batteries therefore do not belong in household waste. They must be collected separately and disposed of according to applicable regulations.
The symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin indicates that batteries must not be disposed of with household waste.
Batteries containing heavy metals may additionally be marked with chemical symbols:
- Cd = battery contains cadmium
- Hg = battery contains mercury
- Pb = battery contains lead
Please pay particular attention to potential hazards from damaged or improperly disposed of batteries. Batteries and accumulators can cause fires or pollute soil and water through leaking fluids.
Free Return of Batteries
You can return used batteries free of charge, for example, at public collection points, recycling centers, or wherever batteries are sold.
You can also return batteries of the relevant type to us free of charge after use or send them back to us after prior arrangement.
Please contact us before returning them so we can provide you with the correct return address and further steps:
info@liebens-wert.at
Safety Instructions for Batteries and Accumulators
Batteries containing hazardous substances may be marked with the symbol of the crossed-out wheeled 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 when discharged.
If batteries are not completely discharged, the battery terminals, i.e., plus and minus, should be insulated with adhesive tape before returning them. This helps to prevent short circuits.
Caution with Button Cells
Swallowing coin or button cells can lead to severe injuries, 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 humidity.
Do not store batteries near heat sources and do not expose them to direct sunlight.
Always keep batteries out of reach of children.
Symbols on Batteries
The following symbols, among others, may be depicted on batteries:
- CE marking
- Symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin
- "Keep out of reach of children" symbol