The central government’s new initiative will benefit all stakeholders while also strengthening the circular economy. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a notification related to Battery Waste Management, 2022, under which manufacturers will be required to collect used batteries from customers. This new rule will replace the Battery Waste Management, 2001 guidelines.

Under the new framework, faulty batteries will be returned to manufacturers through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and recycled. This process will not only promote recycling but also bolster the circular economy.

Who Will Benefit from This Rule?

This rule will apply to all types of batteries, including those used in electric vehicles, portable devices, automobiles, and industrial equipment. Manufacturers will now be responsible for the recovery and recycling of these batteries.

For customers, used batteries are essentially e-waste, offering no further value. Similarly, manufacturers gain little from discarded batteries. However, under this new rule, companies will be able to recycle materials from old batteries to produce new ones, thereby reducing costs.

In addition to cutting the cost of new products, recycling will reduce the need for raw materials, which are often scarce. From an environmental perspective, if e-waste is not recycled, it can have a negative impact on the environment.

Furthermore, this initiative will create opportunities for technology investment and entrepreneurial development, leading to the growth of new industries and the creation of jobs in the recycling sector.

What Does the New Rule Say?

Under the new rule, it is mandatory for manufacturers to collect used batteries—either directly or through third parties—and ensure their recycling. Manufacturers will also be required to recover a specified percentage of material from the batteries.

An online portal will be set up to act as a bridge between manufacturers and recyclers, facilitating the process. This will open up new investment opportunities and introduce advanced technologies to the recycling industry.

The government believes that the long-term benefits of this initiative will not only improve environmental sustainability but also unlock new business opportunities in the recycling and battery manufacturing sectors.