Return & Disposal of Batteries, Rechargeable Cells and Devices
Batteries, rechargeable cells, chargers and power stations do not belong in household waste. They contain valuable raw materials, but also lithium-ion cells, which pose a fire and environmental risk if disposed of incorrectly. Proper collection is governed by the German Battery Act Implementation Law (BattDG) in conjunction with the EU Battery Regulation, as well as the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG).
Through this online shop, you can return used batteries and rechargeable cells from the battery categories we carry, as well as end-of-life electronic devices, free of charge — regardless of where they were originally purchased and without any obligation to make a new purchase. As this is a pure online shop with no physical store, returns can only be made by post.
Take-Back of Used Batteries and Rechargeable Cells
As a distributor of batteries, we take back used batteries and rechargeable cells in quantities typical of household use, free of charge. This take-back covers the battery categories we currently carry or have carried in the past (e.g. cylindrical cells such as 18350, 18650, 20700, 21700, as well as AA cells).
Used batteries can be returned in one of the following ways:
- by post to us (see below),
- at municipal collection points and recycling centers,
- at designated collection points in retail stores.
Returning by Post to Golisi
In-person drop-off is not possible. Items must be sent by post. Take-back and proper disposal are free of charge; shipping costs to the shop are borne by the sender.
Please contact our customer service before shipping: contact us. You will receive instructions for safe packaging and confirmation of the return there. Shipping address:
Golimax GmbH
Himmelreichstr. 3
78333 Stockach
Germany
Safety Instructions for Lithium Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries must be specially secured for shipping:
- Damaged, swollen, leaking, or unusually warm batteries must not be sent by post. These must be handed in at a municipal collection point or recycling center instead.
- The terminals/contacts of undamaged cells must be taped over before shipping to prevent short circuits.
- Never transport loose cells unprotected; pack all items securely and leak-proof.
Meaning of the Symbols on Batteries
Batteries and rechargeable cells are marked with the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol. This means they must not be disposed of with household waste, but must be collected separately.
If chemical symbols appear beneath the symbol, this indicates the presence of pollutants above the statutory limits:
- Pb – contains lead
- Cd – contains cadmium
- Hg – contains mercury
Chargers, Power Stations and Other Accessories
Chargers, power stations, solar panels, USB cables and adapters are classified as waste electrical equipment. These, too, do not belong in household waste and must be disposed of separately — also identifiable by the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol on the device or packaging.
These items can be returned by post to the address above, or alternatively handed in at municipal collection points and recycling centers. Permanently installed batteries (e.g. in power stations) remain in the device.
Why Separate Disposal Matters
Incorrectly disposed lithium-ion batteries can be damaged in collection vehicles or sorting facilities and cause fires. Through separate collection, used batteries and devices are properly processed and valuable raw materials are recovered rather than lost. Separate return therefore contributes to safety, environmental protection, and resource conservation.
Contact
If you have questions about returns or shipping, please contact our customer service.