The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India has published the Waste Battery Management Rules, 2022 on 24 August 2022 to ensure environmentally sound management of waste batteries. The announcement of these rules is a transformative step to implement the announcement made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his Independence Day Address on 15 August 2021 to fully promote circular economy.
The new rules will replace the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001.The rules apply to all types of batteries, eg electric vehicle batteries, portable batteries, automotive batteries and industrial batteries. The rules work on the concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR), where battery manufacturers (including importers) are responsible for collecting and recycling/refurbishing waste batteries and using reclaimed materials from waste for new batteries.
The EPR mandates that all waste batteries be collected and sent for recycling/refurbishment and prohibits disposal in landfills and incineration. In order to meet the EPR obligations, manufacturers can entrust themselves or any other entity with the collection, recycling or refurbishing of waste batteries. The rules will enable the establishment of a mechanism and a centralized online portal for the exchange of EPR certificates between manufacturers and recyclers/refurbishers to fulfill the obligations of manufacturers.
The rules encourage the establishment of new industries and businesses in the collection and recycling/refurbishment of waste batteries.Mandating a minimum percentage of waste battery material recovery under the rules will bring new technology and investment to the recycling and refurbishing industry and create new business opportunities. Mandating the use of a certain amount of recycled materials in the production of new batteries will reduce the dependence on new raw materials and conserve natural resources.
Online registration and reporting, audit and a committee to monitor the implementation of the rules and take necessary remedial action are the main features of the rules to ensure effective implementation and compliance. On the basis of the “polluter pays” principle, environmental compensation will be imposed for failure to meet the objectives of extended producer responsibility, responsibility and obligations set out in the rules. Funds collected under the environmental compensation will be used to collect and refurbish or recycle uncollected and unrecycled waste batteries.
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