At Lidl, Aldi and Co.: New service is developing into a mega flop
Created: 12/21/2022, 12:56 p.m
By: Tobias Becker
Since July 2022 it has been possible to hand in electronic devices such as mobile phones and toasters at Lidl or Aldi.
But: The service seems to be a flop and has been criticized.
Every year there are new regulations in supermarkets and discounters.
In the new year 2023 there should also be some innovations in shopping that are important for consumers, as
echo24.de
reported.
But such changes are not always well received.
A new rule from this year is even considered a flop.
Service flop at Lidl, Aldi and Co.: New rule has been in effect since July 2022
Since July 1, 2022, discounters, drugstores and supermarkets with a sales area of more than 800 square meters have been obliged to accept old electronic devices.
This applies if you sell electrical and electronic equipment several times a year, which is also the case with Lidl, Kaufland or Aldi, for example.
Means: At Lidl you can reserve fireworks, but you can also hand in electronic devices.
Although there are a few restrictions with the rule, basically anyone can hand in their old cell phone, toaster or other small appliances.
As sensible as it may seem, it is probably not used that much, as research by “Deutsche Umwelthilfe” (DUH) has shown.
The “German Press Agency” (dpa) also came to the same conclusion.
And lo and behold: discounter giant Lidl, which is based in Bad Wimpfen (Heilbronn district), explains according to "SWR": "So far we have found that this offer is being accepted with restraint."
Service flop in the supermarket: German environmental aid criticizes heavily, Lidl counters
It goes without saying that the German Environmental Aid (DUH) quickly raised criticism.
The DUH recently complained that no larger supermarket had a good information and take-back concept for e-waste.
What's more, even Lidl would not offer it in accordance with the rules, as a sample by the DUH in 34 stores, including Lidl and Aldi, showed.
At least that's what the German Environmental Aid says.
It is clear that the discounter giant comments on this.
Compared to the "SWR" Lidl Germany contradicts the allegations.
Customers can return their old devices at the checkout and signs with the relevant information are permanently attached in the branches.
Service flop at Lidl, Aldi and Co.: Authorities should impose sanctions
That sounds like another round of electronic trouble!
However, the DUH has already found a new goal and in a statement calls on the authorities to monitor such take-back obligations and to distribute sanctions if there are violations.
In addition, neither consumers are properly informed, nor are the discounters well prepared.
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The interim storage in the checkout area in particular is being denounced.
But Lidl counters: "The devices that are taken back are professionally recycled or disposed of by qualified external service providers." However, anyone who wants to use the service during the Christmas season should pay attention to the opening hours at Lidl and Kaufland.