Together for Battery Recycling: Power the Future

Q: Do I have to pay to recycle my batteries?

No — returning used batteries is required by EU regulation and offered free of charge. You’re exercising a consumer right that supports safe recycling to help us all contribute to a healthier planet.

Q: Is there a limit to how many I can return?

Our in-store bins are perfect for your everyday recycling needs—like when you buy new batteries and want to drop off the old ones. If you've saved up a large collection, your local municipal waste service is the best place to take them, as they're set up for bigger drop-offs.

Q: What happens afterwards?

Your batteries go to certified recyclers who recover materials safely.

Q: Why can't I return industrial or damaged batteries?

These types of batteries contain different materials or pose safety risks that require specialised collection and recycling processes, which our in-store bins are not equipped to handle.

Q: Do I need to take the batteries out of my old remote or toy first?

Yes, please remove the batteries from your devices before you visit. Our collection bins are designed only for the batteries themselves, not the toys, remotes, or other electronics they power. For recycling old electronics (often called e-waste), your local municipal waste service is the best place to check for drop-off locations.

Recycling your old batteries just got a major upgrade! New EU rules mean now Wolt Market stores have the important responsibility of helping you recycle them, and we're excited to make it super simple. From a TV remote to your kid's favourite toy, batteries power our world, and recycling them is a small act that makes a massive difference. We're proud to support a greener future by making battery recycling hassle-free. Under the new EU Battery Regulation (Reg(EU) 2023/1542), Wolt Market stores are legally required to accept used portable batteries that we supply, free of charge. By making participation easy for you, we ensure that compliance and convenience go hand in hand. Every single battery you recycle helps us get there together!

Photoshopped version of the image of a free license: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/hazardous-waste-nature-batteries-recycling_11277982.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=3&uuid=96130b96-2140-4f19-acfd-10e3809070fd&query=battery+recycling

So, why all the fuss about a tiny battery? These little power packs are amazing, but when they run out of juice, they need a proper send-off.

Here’s a wild fact: In 2022, less than half of the batteries sold in the EU were actually collected for recycling. And get this—while batteries are just a tiny fraction of landfill waste, they cause over 50% of the heavy metal pollution. Yikes!

But here's the good news: we can completely change that. Every battery you recycle helps to:

Give valuable materials a second chance - used batteries are full of useful stuff like lithium, cobalt, and zinc. Recycling lets us recover these materials for new products, which means less mining.
Keep our planet clean - stopping nasty chemicals like lead and mercury from getting into our soil and water.
Close the loop on waste - it’s the perfect way to turn something old into something new again.

Your Simple & Safe Guide to Battery Recycling

Let's get those batteries recycled safely. It’s easy, and we’re here to make sure it’s completely worry-free.

Quick-and-Easy Checklist:

✅ DO tape the ends of batteries.

✅ DO keep them in a safe, non-metal box or bag.

✅ DO be gentle when transporting and dropping them off—no throwing!

❌ DON'T bring in any damaged, leaky, or puffy batteries. These little guys can be a bit grumpy and need special care. Your local waste service knows just how to handle them, so it's best to give them a call for advice.

❌ DON'T bring car, industrial, or other heavy-duty batteries. We can only accept the types we sell at that Wolt Market store, so it's a perfect match!

https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-hands-holding-battery-cells_3149460.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=11&uuid=10082bcb-473b-4d02-b897-1ceeb44c9511&query=batteries+recycling

Step 1: Get them ready at home

Tape the ends! Just pop a bit of clear sticky tape or electrical tape over the metal ends (terminals). This simple trick prevents them from sparking fire and having a party in your bag.

Find them a cool spot. Store your used batteries in a cool, dry place. A small box or a plastic bag is perfect—just keep them away from anything metal.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0513/5879/3896/files/CLEAN_AGENT_16_480x480.png?v=1708022484

Step 2: Bring them on over (safely)

On your way to the store, make sure your batteries are snug in their container so they don’t jiggle around and touch.

There are multiple options for making sure batteries are kept tight and safe - one of them is a dedicated plastic box (and it can be even 3D-printed, like the one in the picture).

https://media.printables.com/media/prints/12906/images/114644_7c16766c-9633-4226-bbea-bbba8cd39233/thumbs/inside/1280x960/jpg/20191201_144303_12906.webp

Step 3: Drop them off

You’ll find our dedicated battery collection containers near the entrance of our Wolt Market stores. Just gently drop your prepared batteries in—it's totally free! And if you're not sure about anything, just ask one of our friendly team members.

The collection bins might differ in design and shapes from store to store, and that's completely ok. Worry not - they will be very easy to spot.

Remember: we can only accept the types of batteries that we sell at the Wolt Market store you return batteries to!

https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/batteries-green-plastic-container-light-grey-background-batteries-toxic-waste-recycling-ecology-issues-concept_106035-860.jpg

Where to go with waste batteries?

Points of Return

At Our Wolt Market Stores

You can drop off your used portable batteries - free of charge - at any of our local stores. In line with EU Battery Regulation ((EU) 2023/1542), Wolt Markets accept for return only the portable batteries we sell at that location!

Other Drop-Off Locations

Many other locations also collect used batteries for recycling, including municipal recycling centres and other retail stores. For a full map of collection points in your area, we recommend visiting your local waste authority's website.

Wolt Markets 🇩🇪 Germany

FAQ

Do I have to pay to recycle my batteries?

Is there a limit to how many I can return?

What happens afterwards?

Why can't I return industrial or damaged batteries?

Do I need to take the batteries out of my old remote or toy first?

Join Us in Making a Difference!

Recycling batteries is a small step that adds up to big change—let's do this together! Every single battery we recycle is a victory for our environment and helps build a more sustainable future for everyone.

Disclaimer: The information present on this page is based on the Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. For full details, visit the official EU site. Policies may vary by country—always check local rules.