Skip to content 
Schadstoffentfrachtung
In brief
Pollutant removal is the targeted removal of components and substances containing hazardous materials from waste electrical equipment before it is shredded further or recycled. This includes, for example, batteries, certain circuit boards, toner cartridges, and components containing mercury. It is mandatory under the ElektroG and protects the environment and health as well as the quality of the recovered raw materials.
Which components are removed?
The EU Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the German ElektroG name substances and components that must be selectively removed during treatment. For IT devices, the following are particularly relevant:
| Component | Typically found in |
|---|---|
| Batteries and rechargeable batteries | Notebooks, smartphones, tablets, UPS systems |
| Circuit boards from mobile phones and larger circuit boards from other devices | Smartphones, PCs, servers |
| Liquid crystal displays above a certain size and backlights containing mercury | Monitors, older notebook displays |
| Toner cartridges | Printers and multifunction devices |
| Plastics with brominated flame retardants | Housings and components |
Batteries that can be removed without destruction generally have to be separated from the device before handover. For them, the following applies: the Battery law.
Meaning for IT disposal
Pollutant removal takes place in an first treatment facility initial treatment facility. Before that, data carriers must have been erased or removed, because pollutant removal protects the environment, not the data. As a certified waste management company under § 56 KrWG, Second IT disposes of devices and issues disposal certificates for your ESG reporting. More in the guide Certified waste management company and IT disposal.
Frequently asked questions about pollutant removal
Why are batteries removed first?
Lithium batteries can catch fire when damaged. In shredders and sorting plants they would be a fire risk. In addition, they are recycled in separate processes.
Do I have to remove batteries myself before disposal?
Batteries that are not permanently built into the device and can be removed without destruction should be removed before handover. Permanently installed batteries are removed by the disposal company.
Is pollutant removal the same as recycling?
No. It is a preparatory step. Only afterward are the remaining materials shredded, sorted, and recovered as materials.
Where does pollutant removal take place?
In an initial treatment facility. Before that, data carriers must have been erased or removed, because pollutant removal protects the environment, not the data. Ask your disposal company where your old devices are treated.
Which components containing hazardous substances are found in IT devices?
Typical are batteries and rechargeable batteries, certain circuit boards, toner cartridges, displays with mercury-containing backlights, and plastics with brominated flame retardants. They must be specifically removed during treatment.
IT disposal with documentation – properly done, from the battery to the circuit board.
Send us your device list. You will receive your offer in 48 hours on average.