Battery Waste Management

INTRODUCTION

In a few years, the demand for batteries has grown exponentially. There are numerous reasons for the high demand for batteries, a few of them because the government is supporting EV-based businesses as it wants to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Nowadays, it is easy to find the use of batteries everywhere and linked to massive battery wastes around the globe. Keeping the safe environment responsibilities in mind the Indian government implemented the battery waste management Rules in August 2022. On 22 August 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Changes published a notification for managing the waste batteries by replacing the Battery (management & handling) rules of 2001, to ensure the environment-friendly management & handling of waste batteries.

The most important highlights of the New Batteries Waste Management and Handling Rules include:

• 1. EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): The government has mentioned that the producers and importers of batteries come under the Rules and are liable to enroll in the collection & recycling of waste batteries for reuse purposes.
• 2. Centralised EPR Portal: The Indian government has introduced a new online portal, making it easier for producers and recycling agencies to exchange EPR Certifications.
• 3. Batteries Waste Recycling Standards: As per the new rules, the government has specified a minimum percentage recovery of materials from waste batteries. Eventually, this will also help in the innovation of waste battery recycling technologies.
• 4. Strict Rules for Violations: If any importer or producer is found violating the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibilities) for waste batteries, has to face heavy penalties as environmental compensation & the collected fines will be put for the collection and recycling of waste batteries.