Take-back in Austria: Collection, repair and reuse in transition

New take-back obligations from 1 October 2026

An important change will come into force in Austria on 1 October 2026. Following the amendment to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Ordinance (EAG-VO), final distributors with a sales area of at least 25 m² will in future also have to accept very small electrical and electronic equipment containing batteries without requiring a new purchase.

This applies to devices where no external dimension exceeds 25 cm. The new regulation represents what is known as 0:1 take-back and expands the existing take-back obligation.

Well-organised take-back logistics are therefore becoming increasingly important, particularly in online and mail-order retail. Even today, mail-order retailers can fulfil their 1:1 take-back obligations under certain conditions via publicly accessible collection points.

From take-back to the circular economy

At the same time, the new right to repair will also come into force in Austria on 1 October 2026. For certain product groups – including washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, electronic displays, vacuum cleaners and other products – manufacturers will have greater repair obligations in the future.

This also changes the role of take-back logistics.

A defective device does not automatically have to reach the end of its lifecycle. Depending on its condition, it can be repaired, reused, refurbished or only sent for recycling at the end of its useful life.

What does this mean for take-back systems?

For companies, a reliable take-back solution is therefore increasingly becoming a strategic component of EPR compliance.

A modern take-back system must do more than simply organise collection. It must also ensure that returned devices are properly recorded, transported, assessed and directed to the appropriate subsequent process.

The following questions are particularly relevant:

• Can the device be repaired or reused?
• Does it need to be treated as waste electrical and electronic equipment?
• What transport and safety requirements apply?
• How is the collection documented?
• Where is the device subsequently treated or recovered?
• How can take-back, recycling and reuse be efficiently combined?

Reliable logistics are particularly important for large household appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, washing machines or dishwashers, as take-back often takes place directly at the customer's premises in connection with the delivery of a new appliance.

Take-back as part of EPR compliance

The Austrian EPR system combines producer responsibility with specific requirements for the collection, take-back and environmentally sound treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment. In addition to municipal collection points, the EAG-VO provides for return options via manufacturers, collection and recovery systems as well as retailers.

This topic is also becoming increasingly important for companies operating in online retail and for fulfilment service providers. In Austria, fulfilment service providers must ensure that the relevant producer obligations for certain types of waste – including electrical and electronic equipment and batteries – are fulfilled before providing their services.

We are happy to support you in developing individual and practical logistics concepts. We provide personal advice and work with you to develop suitable solutions tailored to your specific requirements.