Introduction: Battery Waste Management  Authorization

Battery wastes are waste products generated due to used or depleted batteries discarded by consumers from sources like cars, electronic equipment and industrial sources. This type of waste is very reactive and may cause harm if anyone comes in direct contact with it. These waste materials should not be discarded or disposed of with regular household wastes. Battery wastes are required to be handled with extra precaution as it may leak and seep into the ground, causing harm to human health and the environment.

Different type of batteries contains different kinds of harmful substances which include lead-acid batteries, mercury batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, zinc-carbon batteries, etc. However, certain battery types like alkaline batteries are safe for disposition with regular household waste.

Government Bodies Involved in Battery Waste Management Authorization

• Central Pollution Control Board {CPCB} is governed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Government of India
• State Pollution Control Board (Every state has different Pollution Control Board)
• Delhi Pollution Control Committee {DPCC}

Who is Eligible for Taking Battery Waste Authorization?

The following are responsible for taking the Battery Waste Authorization to be able to carry out their duties -

• Reconditioners
• Manufacturers
• Importers
• Assemblers

Obligations for Reconditioners, Manufacturers, Importer, and Assemblers-

The responsibilities of Re-conditioners, Manufacturers, Importers, and Assemblers are as follows -

• Filing the half-yearly return containing their sales and buy-back details to the respective State Board in Form I. They need to do this latest by 30th June and 31st December, every year.
• Ensuring that the collected, used batteries had the type and specification similar to that when it was first sold (similar to new batteries)
• Collecting the used batteries back against the new ones which are sold as per Schedule excluding those which are sold to the original manufacturer and bulk consumers
• Setting-up collection centres either individually or by merging with others. These collection centres are set up at various places for collecting used batteries from dealers and consumers (applicable only for recyclers, manufacturers, and importers)
• Manufacturers, Importers, and recyclers are responsible for ensuring that the collected batteries do not leak in any way and cause harm to the environment
• Also, make sure that the batteries are sent only to the registered recyclers
• Making necessary arrangements with the dealers for the safe transportation of battery waste from collection centres to the registered recyclers
• Creating and increasing awareness about the hazards of lead, the responsibility of consumers by returning their battery waste to collection centres, and where these centres are located through ads, publications, posters, etc.
• Using the international recycling sign on batteries (applicable only for recyclers, manufacturers, and importers)
• Furthermore, ensure that the batteries are sold only to the registered dealers (relevant only for recyclers, manufacturers, and importers)

Procedure to get Battery Waste Authorization for recyclers:

Every used battery recycler needs to make an application in Form VI. Additionally, they need to attach some documents along with Form VI. These recyclers need to send the application along with documents to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest or any other officer or agency appointed by the Ministry for granting registrations or renewal. The following are the procedure for registration or renewal of registration for battery waste recyclers:

• Copy of valid consents under Water {Prevention and Control of Pollution} Act, 1974 and Air {Prevention and Control of Pollution} Act, 1981 as amended
• Copy of certificate of registration from the District Industries Center
• Copy of proof of installed capacity issued from District Industries Center/ State Pollution Control Board
• Also, a copy of authorization under the Hazardous Waste {Management and Handling} Rules, 1989

For Importers:

• Importers need to get themselves registered as per the guidelines of Form I with the Central Pollution Control Board {CPCB}. They can be registered for a period of 5 years.
• Importers need to submit their details in Form II to get themselves registered with the Central Pollution Control Board {CPCB}
• Furthermore, registered importers need to provide their undertaking in Form III to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee {DPCC} (if registering in Delhi.)

Documents required for Battery Waste Authorization:

The following documents are needed to get the battery waste authorization;

In the case of Proprietorship and Partnership firms:

• Proprietor’s Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• GST Certificate
• Lease/ rent/ proof of ownership of the office
• Trade license/Factory license
• Electricity bill
• layout plan

In the case of Private Limited Company

• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• GST Certificate
• Lease/ rent/ proof of ownership of the office
• Trade license/Factory license
• Electricity bill
• layout plan
• Certificate of incorporation {CIN}
• Company’s PAN Card
• Board’s declaration for authorized signatory