Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022

Why is in news? Environmental Compensation Funds for Battery Waste Management

The Ministry of Environment, forest and climate change has notified Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 on 22.08.2022 to ensure environmentally sound management of waste batteries.

These rules mandate recyclers and refurbishers to register with concerned State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees.

Recyclers and refurbishers have been mandated to ensure that the recycling/refurbishment process is carried out in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board.

Recyclers and refurbishers have also been mandated to ensure that hazardous waste generated from their activities is managed as per the provisions under Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

Recyclers and refurbishers shall file quarterly returns regarding the information on quantity of waste batteries collected or received from various producers or entities, recycled/refurbished quantities, quantity of hazardous and/or other waste including solid waste or plastic waste generated after recycling/refurbishment and disposal of such quantity, and the quarterly return shall be filed by the end of the month succeeding the end of the quarter.

The environmental compensation collected under Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 shall be utilised in collection and refurbishing or recycling of uncollected and non-recycled or non-refurbished waste batteries.

The modalities for utilisation of the funds for waste batteries management would be recommended by the Committee for Implementation, constituted under the rules, for the approval of Central Government.

Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 were notified on 22nd August, 2022. The last date for filing of annual returns towards fulfilling obligations under Extended Producer Responsibility is 30th June, 2023 in respect of FY 2022-23.

Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022:

To ensure responsible management of used batteries, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change (MOEFCC) published the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 on August 24, 2022.

The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001 is being replaced by these regulations.

These rules shall apply to

Producer, dealer, consumer, entities involved in collection, segregation, transportation, re-furbishment and recycling of Waste Battery;

all types of batteries regardless of chemistry, shape, volume, weight, material composition and use.

These rules do not apply to Battery used in

equipment connected with the protection of the essential security interests including arms, ammunitions, war material and those intended specifically for military purposes;

equipment designed to be sent into space.

Overview of the Rules:

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) serves as the foundation for the guidelines.

The collecting, recycling, and refurbishing of used batteries is the responsibility of battery manufacturers, including importers.

They are also in charge of recycling waste materials to make new batteries.

EPR mandates that all waste batteries to be collected and sent for recycling/refurbishment, and it prohibits disposal in landfills and incineration.

To meet the EPR obligations, producers may engage themselves or authorise any other entity for collection, recycling or refurbishment of waste batteries.

Environmental compensation:

In accordance with the Polluter Pays Principle, environmental compensation will be assessed when Extended Producer Responsibility goals, obligations, and responsibilities are not met.

The cash raised under the environmental compensation programme must be used to collect and recycle waste batteries that have not yet been collected or recycled.

Recycling:

EPR forbids landfill and incinerator disposal and requires all used batteries to be collected and delivered for recycling or refurbishing.

Producers are free to employ themselves or authorise the use of any other business.

The regulations encourage the creation of new businesses and entrepreneurialism in the collection, recycling, and repair of used batteries.

Online portal:

To fulfil the duties of producers, the rules will allow for the establishment of a mechanism and centralised web platform for the exchange of EPR certificates between producers and recyclers/refurbishers.

The most important characteristics of regulations for effective implementation and compliance are online registration and reporting, audits, and committees for monitoring rule implementation and taking necessary actions to remove obstacles.

Related Initiative:

Draft Battery Swapping Policy:

During April 2022, the draft battery swapping policy was published by NITI Aayog.

It is an alternative that entails substituting charged batteries with those that have been discharged.

By separating the vehicle from fuel, battery changing lowers the initial cost of the cars.

This effort will aid in promoting improved battery lifecycle management, which includes making the most of batteries while they are still functional and recycling them at the end of their useful lives.

It encourages the widespread use of electric vehicles by enhancing the efficient and effective use of limited resources.

It also provides new options for young people looking for work.