Introduction: Battery Waste Management Authorization

A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. A battery consists of two electrodes namely- anode or negative plate and cathode or positive plate. These electrodes are immersed in an electrolyte that allows the passage of ions between the two electrodes. Batteries come in various shapes and sizes, but broadly they are classified into primary cells and secondary cells.

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As we are focusing more and more on climate change, we are moving away from fossil fuels and shifting towards other alternatives. Electricity is one of the most promising alternatives. This is why the usage of batteries is increasing with every passing day.  The annual battery demand grew by 30% (180 Gwh) between 2010-18. This increasing demand is expected to reach 2600 Gwh by 2030.

The rising usage of batteries is also responsible for the generation of huge amounts of battery waste which needs to be handled sustainably. As the batteries contain different chemicals that may seep into the environment if not managed properly and harm the environment, the Government came out with the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001. Recently the Government published Draft Battery Waste Management Rules, 2020.

Draft Battery Waste Management Rules, 2020

These rules introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for battery waste management. Other than EPR, these rules talk about other aspects of battery waste management including:

• Prohibition and labeling requirements
• Responsibilities of all stakeholders
• Procedure for obtaining authorization and registration for handling the battery waste

Process of obtaining Authorization and Registration

Registration / Renewal of Registration of Recyclers

Any Recycler seeking registration must submit Form 2(C) with the following documents to the Member Secretary, CPCB, or any other agency designated by CPCB for this purpose;

• a copy of the valid consents under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, as amended, and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, as amended
• a copy of the valid authorization under Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling Rules, 2016 as amended
• a copy of the valid certificate of registration with District Industries Centre
• a copy of the proof of installed capacity issued by either State Pollution Control Board/District Industries Centre

The application for the renewal of registration must be made through Form 5.

The granted registration is for a period of three years unless suspended or canceled earlier.  

EPR Authorization of Producers

A Producer must submit an application for EPR Authorization in Form 3 to the SPCB or PCC if they are selling products in one state and to CPCB if selling products in more than one state.

If a Producer wants to obtain a pan India authorization, CPCB constitutes a committee having representatives from different SPCBs or PCCs which carries out an inquiry and recommends granting authorization to the CPCB. This authorization is applied through Form – 3(B). Authorization should be granted within 120 days and shall be valid for five years initially. 

After granting authorization, CPCB forwards the state-specific EPR to respective States for their implementation. 

The renewal application for EPR Authorization is to be submitted through Form – 3(A) to the CPCB or respective State, as the case may be. 

Authorization of Manufacturer, Importer, Assembler, and Re-conditioner

They shall submit an application through Form – 2(A) to the concerned SPCB or PCC for authorization. The SPCB or PCC grants authorization in Form – 2(B) which is valid for a period of five years. 

The renewal application for authorization shall be made in Form – 5.