Germany's New Electrical Law Amendment Fails to Bring Real Change

Oct.10.2024
Germany's New Electrical Law Amendment Fails to Bring Real Change
Germany's DUH criticizes new electrical law amendment as lacking substantial change, calling for higher e-waste recycling rates and more incentives.

According to Press Portal, the German environmental aid agency (DUH) believes that the newly passed amendment to the "Electricity Act" has failed to bring about any substantial change.


Barbara Metz, Federal Executive Director of the German Environmental Protection Association (DUH), stated that...


Through this fake revision, basically all content has not changed. The legally required 65% electronic waste recycling rate can still be underestimated without any consequences. The current industry recycling rate allows some manufacturers to hide behind it, and the current recycling rate is only about 30%, far below the standard. We demand that every manufacturer must meet the prescribed recycling rate. In the future, all sales points can return disposable e-cigarette, but this is far from enough. As long as there are no incentives for consumers to recycle in stores, these small electronic devices will continue to harm the environment. We demand a comprehensive ban on disposable e-cigarettes. At the same time, the situation of reusing is completely ignored. Only 1.7% of collected old devices are refurbished for reuse. We call for mandatory quotas for electronic device reuse, similar to the practices in Spain or Belgium.


In addition, DUH is calling for a deposit system to be implemented for lithium-ion batteries.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

UK Peer Seeks to Weaken “Generational Smoking Ban” – Report Reveals Discussions with BAT Executive Relative
UK Peer Seeks to Weaken “Generational Smoking Ban” – Report Reveals Discussions with BAT Executive Relative
Lord Strathcarron, a member of the UK House of Lords, has admitted to discussing the government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill with a relative who holds a senior role at British American Tobacco (BAT). He is advocating amendments to scrap the bill’s core “generational smoking ban” provision, raising questions of potential conflict of interest.
Oct.27
Florida Bill Proposes Wider Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Public Areas
Florida Bill Proposes Wider Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Public Areas
House Bill 389 would expand restrictions on smoking and vaping across public spaces including streets, beaches, parks, and restaurant patios. The measure, if approved, would create a statewide ban replacing local rules, and take effect on July 1, 2026.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Expert Warns in 2Firsts Op-ed: Proposed COP11 Ban on Nicotine Pouches Would Be a Global Public Health Mistake
Expert Warns in 2Firsts Op-ed: Proposed COP11 Ban on Nicotine Pouches Would Be a Global Public Health Mistake
As global delegates prepare for COP11, a leaked EU position paper has sparked fresh debate over the future of nicotine pouch regulation. In an exclusive op-ed submitted to 2Firsts, Dr. Nveed Chaudhary, Chair of GINN’s Scientific Committee, argues that banning nicotine pouches would be a profound public health mistake—one that ignores harm reduction science and risks reversing global progress in smoking cessation.
Nov.03
Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock
Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock
As Russia’s federal vape policy stalls, regional governors are racing to implement local bans—now with the backing of President Vladimir Putin. The divide between swift local action and delayed national legislation is fueling debate over health, regulation, and the country’s broader approach to nicotine control.
Oct.28
Thai Police Seize 30,000 Illegal Vapes Worth Over US$270,000
Thai Police Seize 30,000 Illegal Vapes Worth Over US$270,000
According to Thai police, officers seized 30,000 illegal vapes worth over THB 10 million (US$270,000) and arrested two suspects linked to online sales via LINE account “VST Nuan Chan.” Raids were conducted in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, uncovering a main warehouse and residence. Both suspects confessed and face charges under the Product Safety Act and Customs Law for illegal import and sale.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The U.S. Department of Justice and FDA seized 2.1 million e-cigarettes and 12 distributors and retailers were sued
The U.S. Department of Justice and FDA seized 2.1 million e-cigarettes and 12 distributors and retailers were sued
Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice and the FDA announced a joint crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes, seizing over 2.1 million unauthorized e-cigarette products from five distributors and six retailers in seven states. The companies involved had previously received warnings from the FDA but continued to sell products without market approval. This operation was jointly carried out by multiple government departments, and civil injunction lawsuits have been filed against 12 related companies an
Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai