What are the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022?
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The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, is a significant stride by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, toward ensuring the environmentally sound management of waste batteries. The rules mark the Government’s commitment to promoting a Circular Economy. Replacing the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, the new regulations encompass all battery types, emphasizing Electric Vehicle batteries, portable batteries, automotive batteries, and industrial batteries. In an era dominated by technological advancements and the rapid proliferation of battery-powered devices, the introduction of the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, represents a commendable effort to address the escalating challenge of battery waste.
The rules mandate that producers of batteries are responsible for the collection and recycling/refurbishment of waste batteries. This means that producers must either collect and recycle the batteries themselves or pay a designated entity to do so. A centralized online portal will be set up for the exchange of EPR certificates between producers and recyclers/refurbishers. This will make it easier for producers to track their progress in meeting their EPR obligations and for recyclers to get credit for the recycling they do. Producers and recyclers/refurbishers must register online with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This will help the CPCB to track who is responsible for what and to ensure that everyone is complying with the rules. Environmental compensation will be imposed for non-fulfilment of EPR targets, responsibilities and obligations. This means that if a producer does not meet its EPR obligations, it will have to pay a fine. The funds collected from these fines will be used to fund the collection and recycling of waste batteries. There is also a target for recovery of the battery material — 70% by 2024-25, then 80% by 2026, and 90% after 2026-27 onwards. This means that by 2027, 90% of all waste batteries must be recycled or refurbished. The rules also include providing for the labelling of batteries with information about their chemical composition and recyclability, the establishment of a system for the collection of waste batteries, the development of safe and environmentally sound recycling and refurbishment processes, the training of personnel involved in the handling of waste batteries and the monitoring and enforcement of the rules. However, despite the positive strides, critical gaps within the regulations threaten to impede the efficiency of recycling processes.
Current battery labels lack comprehensive information about their chemical composition, making it challenging for recyclers to identify and segregate different types of batteries effectively. This hinders efficient recycling processes and limits the recovery of valuable materials. Meanwhile, battery packs often have intricate assembly methods involving welding, adhesive, and screws, making disassembly challenging and labour-intensive. This complexity increases the cost of recycling and reduces the overall recyclability of batteries. As the volume of spent batteries increases, informal collectors might outprice formal collectors, potentially leading to hazardous recycling practices and safety concerns. Informal recyclers often lack the expertise and infrastructure to handle hazardous battery materials safely and may resort to methods that release harmful substances into the environment. The absence of specific rules governing the storage, transport, and handling of electric vehicle batteries can also pose safety risks. Addressing these gaps will require a concerted effort involving policy-makers, industry stakeholders, technological innovators, and environmental experts.
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