Hardly anyone returns old electrical appliances to supermarkets

Since July 2022, it has simply been possible to return old and defective electrical appliances to supermarkets (we reported). However, the new model got off to a rather slow start, as a survey of major German retail chains conducted by Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) has now revealed.

Return of electrical appliances in supermarkets is hardly used

Since July 1, 2022, it has been possible to return old and worn-out electrical appliances in supermarkets. The new obligation implements an EU regulation that was issued back in 2012. The companies that accept the appliances are not allowed to simply dispose of them afterwards: they are obliged to ensure that the appliances they accept are reused, reused or recycled.

However, the new model has so far met with little approval from consumers, according to a survey conducted by dpa. For example, the Rewe Group, to which Penny also belongs, says that the offer is hardly used. Aldi, on the other hand, speaks of “moderate” use. At the Edeka subsidiary Netto, usage varies greatly depending on the store location.

Compulsory return: regulations too complicated?

The obligation to take back electrical appliances could possibly be too complicated for many end consumers or the knowledge simply not given. Supermarkets, discounters and drugstores must serve at least a sales area of 800 square meters On electrical appliances specialized stores may already take back devices from a size of 400 square meters.

But apparently almost no one knows that. There are also restrictions on the size of the electrical appliances to be returned. If the edge length is more than 25 centimeters, the device must be accepted only if a new electrical appliance is purchased in return. This is not the case for smaller appliances.

Anyone returning a toaster or a blender will therefore prefer to do so rather than hand in a defective television, monitor or similar.

In addition, the stores do not inform customers about the return option, or do so only inadequately. In addition, the process is often poorly organized and complicated.

It is often necessary to report to the checkout, wait for employees and make do with inadequately trained staff, the report continues. So there is definitely still room for improvement here, where there is room for improvement in 2023. After all, the return of electrical appliances is a good thing in and of itself.