About The Collection Of Waste Electronics And Batteries

A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses: How to Effectively Fulfill E-Waste and Battery Collection Notification Requirements Online

A 2024 analysis conducted by the Ministry of Climate and the Environmental Agency revealed significant shortcomings in how Estonian businesses comply with legal obligations regarding the notification of consumers about the collection and disposal of old electronic devices, used batteries, and accumulators. The findings showed that the majority of companies fail to meet these legally mandated requirements.

Under Estonian waste legislation, all sellers, importers, and producers of electronic devices (including batteries and accumulators) are required to prominently display clear information on their websites about the collection points and options for returning these items at the end of their lifecycle.

Who Is Affected by the Legislation?

This notification obligation applies to:

Producers of electronic equipment, batteries, and accumulators.
Importers and distributors.
Retailers (physical stores and online shops).

Key Requirements:

Prominent Placement: The information must be displayed on the homepage or easily accessible from it, ensuring customers can immediately find details on how and where they can return used electronic devices, batteries, and accumulators.
Detailed Instructions: Businesses must clearly describe the return process, including details about collection points in physical stores.
Sustainability Goals: This approach aims to improve the collection rates of e-waste and batteries, enhance consumer awareness of environmental responsibility, and reduce pollution.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Failure to comply may result in fines or formal warnings from the Environmental Inspectorate. Businesses must understand that these obligations are not merely formalities—they are critical steps toward a sustainable future.

Step-by-Step Guide for Adding Collection Information to Your Website

Designate a Responsible Person: Assign someone in your organization to handle website updates and provide them with the necessary background information and the following recommendations. If you are using an external partner to manage your website, make them aware of these requirements.
Add a Clear and Visible Link or Banner:
- Ensure the banner contains explicit text about e-waste, battery, and accumulator return options in all languages your website supports. Suggested phrases:
  - “Collection Points for Used Electronics and Batteries”
  - “E-Waste and Battery Return Options”
  - “Electronic and Battery Recycling Information”
- Link’s to add:
  - English: Collection Points for Electronic Waste and Batteries
  - Estonian: Elektroonikaromude kogumiskohad
  - Russian: Пункты сбора электронных отходов
Place the Link in Strategic Locations:
- Main menu or submenu.
- Sidebar or right-hand column.
- Header or footer section.
- Buttons or banners visible on landing pages.
Optimize for Usability:
- Ensure the link opens in a new tab and directs users to relevant pages, such as Eesti Elektroonikaromu’s collection points page.
- Add analytics parameters to track click-through rates and optimize further.
Test Your Updates:
- Verify that the links are functional and point to the appropriate content.

Additional Support for Compliance

Retailers: Display printed notifications in physical stores. Place these near entrances or checkout areas to ensure visibility.

Online Shops: Inform customers about their right to return old electronics and batteries directly on your homepage. For large equipment, guide users to collection points and provide additional details.

Producer Responsibility Organizations: Collaborate with organizations like Eesti Elektroonikaromu, which help businesses meet WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive requirements. These organizations offer services such as e-waste collection, sorting, and recycling.

Read more about WEEE Responsibilities for Manufacturers, Producers, Retailers, and Webshops in Estonia

Avoid sanctions and support sustainability by ensuring your business complies with these important obligations. If you have questions or require assistance, feel free to contact:

Kaur Kuurme
Managing Director, Eesti Elektroonikaromu
📞 +372 56 236 697
📧 info@elektroonikaromu.ee
info@elektroonikaromu.ee