Battery Waste Management
Vincular offers complete support for Battery Waste EPR compliance, from registration to recycling.
Introduction
Battery waste is a critical environmental concern due to the presence of heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Improper disposal of used batteries can lead to severe soil and water contamination, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health.
To mitigate these risks and foster sustainable waste management practices, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework has been introduced for Battery Waste Management. This regulation holds producers, importers, and recyclers accountable for the environmentally sound collection, recycling, and disposal of end-of-life batteries throughout their lifecycle.
What is Considered Battery Waste?
The term "battery" refers to all types of primary or secondary cells or batteries sold commercially, including:
Battery waste includes used, discarded, or expired batteries that are no longer fit for their original purpose.
Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022
The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), came into effect on 1st August 2022. These rules emphasise Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers, ensuring the environmentally sound management of battery waste.
Under these rules:
Producers and importers must handle the collection, transportation, refurbishment, recycling, and disposal of waste batteries.
All processes must be carried out via registered recyclers.
Recycling targets are set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Applicability of EPR for Battery Waste
Producer
Any person or entity who:
Manufactures and sells batteries under its own brand in India.
Sells batteries manufactured by others under their own brand.
Imports batteries into India for commercial sale.
Battery Importer
Any entity that imports batteries or battery-containing products into India.
Collection Agent
Authorized entities that collect used or waste batteries from consumers or bulk users and deliver them to recyclers.
Recycler
A person or organization engaged in processing or treating waste batteries to recover reusable materials.
Key Responsibilities under Battery EPR
Whether batteries are manufactured locally or imported, the responsibility for end-of-life management lies with the producer.
Batteries are sold through dealerships, direct sales, e-commerce platforms, and distributors.
Collection Agents ensure used batteries are collected and delivered to authorized recyclers.
Importers are subject to the same EPR obligations as domestic producers.
VINCULAR as a Registered PRO
A PRO (Producer Responsibility Organisation) is a legally recognised entity that assists producers in fulfilling their EPR responsibilities, including compliance with collection targets, reporting, and raising awareness.
VINCULAR is a CPCB-registered PRO that takes on EPR obligations on behalf of battery producers. This ensures the environmentally sound collection and recycling of end-of-life batteries, and the producers are free from the hassle of waste management.
VINCULAR also engages in consumer awareness campaigns, targeting both individuals and bulk users (e.g., institutions, corporate entities, etc.), to promote proper battery disposal practices and support the development of a formal, compliant recycling ecosystem.
Key Services
EPR Management
Collection target compliance
Regulatory reporting
End-of-life battery handling
Awareness Programs
Consumer education campaigns
Bulk user engagement
Disposal practice promotion
Producer Benefits
Hassle-free waste management
Regulatory compliance assurance
Focus on core business
Ecosystem Development
Formal recycling network
Compliant waste ecosystem
Sustainable practices