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Sammelgruppe (ElektroG)
In brief
A collection group under the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) is one of six groups into which old devices are collected separately at municipal collection points. The classification is based on treatment and contents, for example screens, lamps, or small appliances. For IT hardware, the collection group determines whether a device is recorded, for example, as a screen device or as a small IT device.
The six collection groups under the ElektroG (as of: 10/2026)
§ 14 ElektroG stipulates that public waste management authorities make old devices available separately in these groups:
| Group | Contents | Examples from IT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat exchangers | e.g. air conditioners |
| 2 | Screens, monitors, and devices with screens larger than 100 cm² | Monitors, notebooks, tablets |
| 3 | Lamps | Light sources |
| 4 | Large appliances | large printers and copiers, server cabinets |
| 5 | Small appliances and small information and telecommunications technology devices | Smartphones, PCs without a screen, keyboards, routers |
| 6 | Photovoltaic modules | – |
The assignment in individual cases depends on screen size and dimensions. Battery-powered old devices are collected in groups 2, 4, and 5 separately from other devices. This entry does not replace legal advice.
Collection groups and commercial IT
The collection groups primarily concern the municipal collection of devices from private households. For devices used exclusively commercially, other return routes often apply, see B2B devices under the ElektroG. How the obligations for companies are related is explained in the guide Certified waste management company and ElektroG. Second IT disposes of IT devices that can no longer be used as a certified waste management company under § 56 KrWG and issues disposal certificates.
Frequently asked questions about collection groups
Which collection group does a notebook belong to?
Notebooks generally have a screen with an area of more than 100 cm² and therefore belong to collection group 2.
Where do smartphones belong?
Smartphones mostly count as small information and telecommunications technology devices in collection group 5. Because they contain a battery, they are collected separately from devices without a battery.
Does a company have to sort old devices by collection group?
That depends on the return route. When handing them over to a certified waste management company, it generally takes care of sorting and documentation.
Where do tablets, routers, and keyboards belong?
Tablets have a screen with an area of more than 100 cm² and belong in collection group 2. Routers and keyboards count as small information and telecommunications technology devices in collection group 5. In individual cases, size and design are decisive.
Which IT devices belong in collection group 4?
Large appliances belong in collection group 4. In IT, these are, for example, large printers and copiers or server cabinets. Whether a device counts as a large appliance depends on its dimensions.
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