On 22nd August 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) took a significant step towards environmentally sound management of waste batteries by notifying the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. These rules aim to regulate the recycling and refurbishment processes and ensure proper handling of hazardous waste generated from battery-related activities.
Mandate for Recyclers and Refurbishers
Under these rules, recyclers and refurbishers must register with the concerned State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees. This registration is crucial to monitor and manage waste batteries in a systematic and environmentally friendly manner.
Guidelines Compliance
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of the recycling/refurbishment process, recyclers and refurbishers are bound to follow the guidelines prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. This adherence guarantees that battery waste is treated responsibly, minimizing environmental impact.
Hazardous Waste Management
As part of their responsibilities, recyclers and refurbishers must manage hazardous waste generated during their operations in accordance with the provisions under Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. This provision ensures the safe disposal and containment of hazardous waste.
Quarterly Returns Filing
Recyclers and refurbishers are required to submit quarterly returns that include information on the quantity of waste batteries collected or received from various producers or entities, recycled/refurbished quantities, hazardous and/or other waste generated after recycling/refurbishment, and the disposal of such waste. These returns should be filed by the end of the month succeeding the end of the quarter.
Utilization of Environmental Compensation
The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 also provide for the collection of environmental compensation. These funds will be utilized for the collection, refurbishing, recycling, and management of uncollected, non-recycled, or non-refurbished waste batteries. The modalities for fund utilization will be recommended by the Committee for Implementation, constituted under the rules, and approved by the Central Government.
Fulfilling Extended Producer Responsibility Obligations
For producers to fulfill their Extended Producer Responsibility obligations under these rules, the last date for filing annual returns for the FY 2022-23 is 30th June, 2023.
In conclusion, the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, offer a comprehensive framework for responsible waste battery management. The Ministry’s proactive approach in notifying these rules will undoubtedly contribute to a cleaner and greener environment for future generations.
Source: PIB
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