You are legally obligated to return non-permanently-installed batteries and rechargeable batteries. For this reason, batteries and rechargeable batteries are marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol.
The crossed-out wheeled bin means that you must dispose of batteries and rechargeable batteries separately from household waste.
Batteries containing hazardous substances display the chemical symbol of the heavy metal they contain below the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol (“Cd” for cadmium, “Hg” for mercury, and “Pb” for lead), provided the respective mass percentages are exceeded: 0.0005% mercury, 0.002% cadmium, and 0.004% lead.
Batteries and rechargeable batteries may contain hazardous substances which, if released, can have serious negative effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health. The separate collection and recycling of batteries and rechargeable batteries therefore help conserve natural resources and ensures that health and the environment are protected during recycling.
Device Batteries: Return Options
You can return non-permanently-installed batteries or rechargeable batteries to municipal collection points or recycling centres, or to any retailer that sells batteries/rechargeable batteries, to ensure proper disposal of the batteries/rechargeable batteries. For lithium batteries, please tape over the battery terminals to prevent short circuits.
Lithium-containing batteries pose a fire risk if handled improperly and must therefore be handled with care and disposed of properly.