In 2024, almost 758,000 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment were recycled in Germany.

According to preliminary results from the Federal Statistical Office Destatis, this was 11,100 tonnes or 1.5 per cent more than in the previous year. The recycling rate, defined as the proportion of equipment recycled or prepared for reuse, remained almost at the same level in 2024 as in 2023 (84.5 per cent) at 84.3 per cent. According to Destatis, 17,600 tonnes of waste equipment were prepared for reuse in 2024, around 6.3 per cent or 1,200 tonnes less than in 2023. According to the data, 144,100 tonnes were sent for other forms of recovery or disposal. According to Destatis, the amount of waste equipment accepted for initial treatment rose by 1.5 per cent, or 13,600 tonnes, compared to 2023. According to Destatis, initial treatment refers to the treatment of untreated appliances delivered in containers or vehicles at the first facility, where appliances are sorted, parts are dismantled or hazardous substances are removed and sent for further treatment.
 
According to the data, small appliances accounted for the largest share of accepted WEEE in 2024, at 301,500 tonnes or 32.8 per cent. These include household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, toasters and irons, as well as toner cartridges and e-cigarettes. According to Destatis, 27.2 per cent or 250,600 tonnes of all accepted appliances were large appliances such as washing machines, electric cookers and pedelecs, excluding photovoltaic modules. Heat exchangers, which include refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, accounted for just under a fifth (19.2 per cent) or 176,700 tonnes of all accepted appliances.
 
Sources:

• Press release Destatis (in German) (24.2.2026)
• Image: AI-generated symbolic image (MS Designer)