Trash has long since ceased to be simply garbage. Many disposable products can be recycled or contain valuable materials that can be taken out again. So it is with the kettle. So how should a kettle be disposed of? We provide the answers.
Disposal of electrical waste regulated by the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act
Waste separation in Germany is extremely meticulous and accurate. However, anyone who thinks that this is solely a German “virtue” is mistaken. Because since the end of July 2016 in particular, there has been a corresponding EU directive, which is implemented in this country in the so-called ElektroG Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act. By the way, this electrical law has been in existence since 2005. Since it is a household electrical appliance, this law also applies to kettles.
This is how you can dispose of your kettle since 2016
Since then, retailers (online as well as in traditional retail stores) have had to take back old electrical appliances under certain conditions. But before we go into more detail about what needs to be taken into account, let’s first look at the various options available for disposing of your kettle:
- drop it off at the local recycling center in your community
- dispose of it in a shop
- repair your old kettle
- Give away your old kettle or sell it for a small amount of money (online, for example).
Like any other electrical waste, the kettle must not be disposed of in household waste. Basically, electrical waste is to be treated like hazardous waste.
Drop off the old kettle at the recycling center
You can hand in old electrical appliances, including your disused kettle, at the recycling center in your municipality. However, you must pay attention to their fees. Depending on the municipality, acceptance may be free of charge, at least in household quantities, or may require a small fee. In principle, however, it is possible to dispose of the kettle at the recycling center.
Dispose of via the retailer
In order for a retailer to take back your e-waste under certain conditions, some criteria must be taken into account. In principle, the take-back has been mandatory since July 2016 at the latest. This applies to retailers who provide at least 400 square meters of sales space for electrical appliances in their retail store, as well as online retailers who have a storage and shipping area of at least 400 square meters.
Large appliances such as washing machines, TVs or refrigerators must be accepted free of charge when a new appliance is purchased. Small appliances can be dropped off at the dealer free of charge even if a new appliance is not purchased. For this purpose, the edge length of the electrical appliance must not exceed 25 cm. Some kettles are quite smaller.
Repairing, selling or giving away old kettles
Many old electrical appliances are usually not really broken, but simply old and no longer modern. The most common “damage” to a kettle is a calcified heating element. How to decalcify a kettle naturally, we have summarized for you here. Often, a kettle cleaned in this way can be sold for small money on the Internet, like other electrical appliances – or at least given away. Then there are no disposal fees.
Tips & tricks
Kettle - the price
Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green is a seasoned home chef and culinary expert who has a passion for all things kitchen-related. With her extensive knowledge of the latest kitchen products and appliances, Elizabeth provides insightful reviews and recommendations to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Whether you're looking for a new refrigerator, blender, or cookware set, Elizabeth is your guide to finding the best kitchen products available in the UK.
