Take-Back Obligation for e-cigarettes: What Retailers Need to Do Now

E-cigarettes on the rise in Germany: single-use e-cigarettes are particularly popular among younger consumers, and the market for so-called vapes has grown considerably in recent years. The health risks associated with this supposedly less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes have yet to be fully established. What is clear, however, is that the careless disposal of these small vaping devices – for instance, in general waste – poses significant risks to the environment and public safety. Tim Brauer, take-back solutions expert at Interzero, explains: "E-cigarettes contain permanently integrated lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires in waste collection vehicles and sorting facilities if disposed of incorrectly. If used vapes are incinerated, valuable raw materials are also lost for recycling. From a circular economy perspective, stricter legal requirements therefore make perfect sense."

Stricter Regulation of E-Cigarettes from 2026 – Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) Sets the Framework
E-cigarettes are legally classified as electrical devices. As such, the revised Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), which came into force at the beginning of 2026 and aims to strengthen recycling, also applies to this product category. After a transitional period, consumers will be able to return used vapes at all points of sale from 1 July 2026 – including at petrol stations and kiosks.

Retailers will be required to provide clear information about the return options available in their outlets. The nationally standardised collection point logo of the "green plug" should, for example, be prominently displayed in the entrance area; in addition, information should also be displayed at the point of sale: the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol informs customers that e-cigarettes must be disposed of separately once they have reached their end of life.

Act Now and Prepare for Compliance
Organising disposal logistics – from the safe collection and storage of used devices through to their handover to certified disposal and recycling systems – presents many businesses with new challenges. "For both bricks-and-mortar retail and online sales, the new regulations on the take-back of e-cigarettes are among the most significant changes in environmental law in 2026," says Tim Brauer. "Timely preparation is crucial. Working with qualified external partners can also help businesses meet the statutory requirements, minimise fire risks, and put the necessary internal processes in place efficiently."