Collection points for electronic waste and batteries

collection points for electronic waste and batteries

The WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive of the European Union defines the obligations of electronic equipment retailers, which are also established in Estonian legislation. According to the WEEE Directive, retailers, including online stores, have an obligation to take back old or broken electronic devices when the consumer buys a new similar product. This is known as the "one-to-one" take-back principle, which aims to help ensure the proper management of electronic waste. Retail outlets with an area of at least 400 m² and selling, among other things, electronic devices must accept devices up to 25 cm free of charge. It is also mandatory to organize the return of batteries at all points of sale where they are sold. The task of retailers is to organize the collection of electronic waste and its recycling. Larger devices that exceed 25 cm in size must be sent to the appropriate collection points, the location of which should be communicated to consumers by points of sale. The responsibility of retailers also extends to informing consumers about the correct disposal of electronic waste and the rights and obligations related to the return of devices.