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Mobile phone disposal in Germany

In short: Elektroschrott (electrical waste). Mobile phones are electrical waste and must be disposed of separately.

Electronics
Confidence: high · Place: Germany · Last checked: September 2026

Mobile phones contain harmful substances and must not go in the general waste bin.

Elektroschrott (electrical waste)

Why

  • Mobile phones are electrical waste and must be disposed of separately.
  • They must not go in the Gelbe Tonne (yellow bin) or general waste bin.
  • You can take them to a Wertstoffhof (recycling centre), a specialist retailer or a take-back scheme.

Collection points may vary by local authority.

varies by Kommune

Before you throw it away

  • Remove the SIM card and back up your data.
  • If possible, remove the battery or place the device in a suitable box.
  • Take the phone to an electrical waste collection point.

Rules depend on your municipality. Ask RecycleAI for your town.

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