Details of BATTERY WASTE MANAGEMENT-SERVICE
In recent years, the demand for the Battery has grown at an exponential rate. Investment has poured into the battery industry in order to develop long-term storage solutions that will aid in the energy transition. As the world increasingly replaces fossil fuel power with emission-free electrification, batteries are becoming an essential storage tool to help with the transition. With the emphasis now on renewable energy, the use of electricity is gaining traction. As a result, massive amounts of battery waste would be generated. To deal with the situation of rising battery waste, a proactive policy is required. With this in mind, the government issued the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.
On August 22, 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Changes published the battery waste management rules, 2022, replacing the Battery (Management & Handling) Rules, 2001, in order to ensure environmentally sound management of used batteries.
Registration of Producers: According to Rule 4 of the BWM Rules 2022, every Producer and person or entity involved in the manufacture of batteries shall be required to register with the CPCB through a centralised online portal, for which an application in Form 1 (A) must be submitted to the CPCB. Producer shall file for renewal of registration in Form 1(A) before sixty days of its expiry.
A producer is defined under the BWM Rules, 2022, as an organization that produces and markets batteries, including reconditioned batteries, for use in equipment, either under its own brand or under the brand of other suppliers or manufacturers.
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle, which holds battery manufacturers accountable for gathering, recycling, and repairing used batteries as well as using recovered elements from trash to create new batteries, is the foundation of the BWM Rules' operation.
EPR for Battery Producer: "Extended Producer Responsibility" refers to the duty of any battery producer to manage waste batteries in an environmentally responsible way to safeguard the environment and public health from any negative effects that any of the substances contained in waste batteries may have.
Registration of Refurbishers and Recyclers: To obtain a one-time registration, all refurbishers and recyclers must register with the State Pollution Control Board via the centralized site.
The quantity of used batteries collected or received from different manufacturers or entities, the quantity of refurbished and recycled batteries, and the quantity of hazardous and/or other waste generated after refurbishment and disposal must all be included in the quarterly returns that recyclers and refurbishers are required to submit in the Form.
FAQ of BATTERY WASTE MANAGEMENT
Battery waste management involves the proper collection, disposal, and recycling of batteries to reduce environmental harm and extract valuable materials. It helps prevent hazardous chemicals from leaching into the environment and encourages the reuse of valuable metals.
Improper disposal of batteries can result in the release of toxic substances, such as heavy metals and acids, into the environment. Proper battery waste management reduces the risk of pollution and protects human health, wildlife, and natural resources.
Never throw batteries in the regular trash or recycling bin. Take used batteries to designated battery recycling drop-off locations or local collection programs. Many electronic stores and community centers offer recycling services for batteries.
Recycled batteries are carefully disassembled to extract valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and lead, which can be reused to manufacture new batteries or other products. Hazardous materials are safely processed to minimize environmental impact.
Batteries that are improperly disposed of can cause pollution, contribute to climate change, and harm wildlife. Some chemicals in batteries can persist in the environment for years, leading to long-term ecological damage.