In 2024 Germany recycled nearly 758,000 tonnes of electrical and electronic waste, according to provisional figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). That amount represents an increase of 11,100 tonnes, or 1.5 percent, over the previous year. An additional 17,600 tonnes of discarded devices were prepared for reuse-1,200 tonnes, or 6.3 percent, fewer than in 2023. At the same time, 127,000 tonnes (13.8 percent) were routed to other processing methods, while 17,100 tonnes (1.9 percent) were disposed of or eliminated.
Altogether, 920,000 tonnes of electrical and electronic waste were either recycled, otherwise utilized, or discarded. The volume of waste accepted for initial treatment rose by 13,600 tonnes, a 1.5 percent increase from 2023. The recycling rate, defined as the share of devices either recycled or prepared for reuse, barely changed, standing at 84.3 percent in 2024 compared with 84.5 percent in 2023.
Of the waste accepted in 2024, almost a third-32.8 percent, or 301,500 tonnes-consisted of small devices. This category includes household items such as vacuum cleaners, toasters, and irons, as well as toner cartridges and e‑cigarettes. A sizable quarter-27.2 percent, or 250,600 tonnes-were large appliances (excluding photovoltaic modules), such as washing machines, electric stoves, and Pedelecs. Nearly a fifth-19.2 percent, or 176,700 tonnes-were heat‑transfer devices, including refrigerators, freezers, and air‑conditioners, according to the Federal Office.
