Indian Government notifies Battery Waste Management Rules 2022

On 24 August 2022 the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change published the Battery Waste Management Rule, 2022 concerning the waste battery management in India. The new rule takes the place of the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001. 

The rules were implemented as a transformative step for fulfilling the announcement made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his address to the Nation on Independence Day on 15 August 2021 promoting Circular Economy in full earnest. The rules cover all types of batteries, viz. Electric Vehicle batteries, portable batteries, automotive batteries, and industrial batteries. 

Similar to the concept of Responsibility of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the producers of the batteries are responsible for the collection and recycling of waste batteries and the use of the recovered materials from wastes in new batteries. It also bans disposal of the waste batteries in landfills and incineration. 

The ERP obligation also mandates the producers to engage themselves or authorize any other entity for the collection, recycling, or refurbishment of waste batteries. The rules will enable the establishment of a mechanism and a centralized online portal for the exchange of EPR certificates between producers and recyclers to fulfill the obligations of the producers. 

Online registration & reporting, auditing, and a committee for monitoring the implementation of the rules and taking measures required for removal of difficulties are salient features of the rules for ensuring effective implementation and compliance.  

Environmental compensation will be imposed for non-fulfilment of Extended Producer Responsibility targets, responsibilities, and obligations set out in the rules. The funds collected under environmental compensation shall be utilized in collection and refurbishing or recycling of uncollected and non-recycled waste batteries.