The possibility of returning an old appliance free of charge exists for distributors who are obliged to take it back, inter alia, if a new appliance of the same kind which essentially fulfils the same functions is supplied to an end user. If a new appliance is delivered to a private household, the similar WEEE may also be handed over there for collection free of charge; this applies in the case of distribution by means of distance communication to appliances of categories 1, 2 or 4 according to Article 2(1) ElektroG, namely "heat transmitters", "display screen equipment" or "large appliances" (the latter with at least one external dimension exceeding 50 centimetres). End-users are asked about their intention to return electrical and electronic equipment when they conclude a purchase contract. In addition, there is the possibility of free return at collection points of the distributors, irrespective of the purchase of a new appliance, for such waste appliances that do not exceed 25 centimetres in any external dimension, limited to three waste appliances per type of appliance.