Government notifies Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022

Source: The post is based on the article “Government notifies Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022” published in PIB on 25th August 2022.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has published the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.

What are Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022?

Aim: To ensure environmentally sound management of waste batteries.

These rules will replace the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001.

Batteries covered: The rules cover all types of batteries, viz. Electric Vehicle batteries, portable batteries, automotive batteries and industrial batteries.

What are the key provisions of the rules?

Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR): Producers (including importers) of batteries are responsible for the collection and recycling /refurbishment of waste batteries and the use of recovered materials from waste into new batteries.

– The rules enable the setting up of a mechanism and centralized online portal for the exchange of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates. 

Polluter Pay Principle: Environmental compensation will be imposed for non-fulfilment of EPR targets. 

– The funds collected under environmental compensation shall be utilized in the collection and refurbishing or recycling of uncollected and non-recycled waste batteries.

Industries for waste Batteries: Promote setting up of new industries and entrepreneurship in collection and recycling /refurbishment of waste batteries. 

Use of recycled materials for new batteries: The rules prescribe the use of a certain amount of recycled materials in the making of new batteries. 

Monitoring the implementation of rules: Online registration & reporting, auditing, and committee for monitoring the implementation of rules and taking measures required for removal of difficulties.

What is the significance of these rules?

Firstly, sustainable management of battery waste would increase India’s push for electric vehicles.

Secondly, the rules will bring new technologies and investment in recycling and refurbishment.

Thirdly, it will help reduce the dependency on new raw materials and save natural resources.