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Erstbehandlungsanlage (EBA)
In brief
An initial treatment facility (EBA) is a company that treats waste electrical and electronic equipment first under the ElektroG, i.e. inspects it, prepares it for reuse, removes pollutants or dismantles the devices. Initial treatment facilities must be certified annually by an expert. For retired IT, the EBA is the place where it is decided what is reused and what is recycled.
Tasks and obligations
The ElektroG stipulates that the initial treatment of old devices may only take place in certified facilities (§ 21 ElektroG). Initial treatment includes:
- checking whether devices or components are suitable for Preparation for reuse reuse,
- the Depollution, such as the removal of batteries, rechargeable batteries and certain components,
- dismantling and separating materials for recycling.
| Obligation | Contents |
|---|---|
| Certification | Annually by an expert |
| Notification to the stiftung ear | Since 2022 before starting operations, per certified site |
| Treatment requirements | Requirements from the ElektroG and the Treatment Ordinance, state of the art |
| Reports | Annual reporting of the quantities treated |
Significance for companies
Anyone who hands over old devices should know where they undergo initial treatment. A certified EBA and evidence of treatment protect you as a waste producer. For data carriers, the following applies: they should be erased or destroyed before treatment. More on the obligations in the guide Certified waste management company and ElektroG.
Second IT follows the waste hierarchy: after data erasure, devices are refurbished wherever possible, devices that cannot be recovered go to proper IT disposal with certification.
Frequently asked questions about the initial treatment facility
Is every disposal company an initial treatment facility?
No. Collectors and transporters may only pass on old devices. Only a certified EBA may treat them.
Is data erased during initial treatment?
That is not the task of the EBA under the ElektroG. Data erasure should take place beforehand and be documented.
Where do I find certified initial treatment facilities?
Ask your disposal company where the devices undergo initial treatment, and have the current certificate under § 21 ElektroG shown to you. The certification must be renewed annually.
Does an initial treatment facility have to notify the stiftung ear?
Yes, since 2022 before starting operations, and per certified site. In addition there is the annual certification by an expert. The quantities treated must also be reported annually.
What is part of the initial treatment of waste electrical equipment?
This includes checking for preparation for reuse, the removal of pollutants and the dismantling and separating of materials for recycling. Data erasure is not part of it. It should take place beforehand and be documented.
Erase first, then reuse or recycle, with certification.
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