Battery Amendments Rules 2023: Key Changes Waste Management

Introduction

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has unveiled substantial changes to the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, by launching the Management of Waste Battery Amendments Rules 2023. Consequently, these latest revisions mark a pivotal moment, specifically impacting the roles and obligations delineated in Rules 8 and 9. In Rule 8, titled “Functions of Refurbisher,” significant adjustments have been outlined. Furthermore, these adjustments highlight a shift towards more detailed and stringent responsibilities for refurbishers.

Function of Refurbished

Sub-rule (4) now mandates that entities engaged in refurbishing waste batteries must report the total weight of processed battery waste on a quarterly basis. Consequently, this information must be made available on the Central Pollution Control Board’s portal. As a result, it facilitates the generation of Extended Producer Responsibility certificates.

Functions of Recycler

Sub-rule (4) stipulates that, therefore, entities involved in recycling waste batteries must disclose the total weight of processed battery waste quarterly on the Central Pollution Control Board’s portal. Meanwhile, Sub-rule (5) underscores that recyclers are, consequently, restricted from engaging with any entity lacking the mandatory registration.

Conclusion

The implementation of these amendments, scheduled to commence on October 25, 2023, represents a significant milestone in establishing rigorous oversight and control over battery waste. These changes signal a clear commitment to bolstering accountability and transparency in the management of battery waste, with the objective of refining procedures and fostering greater environmental stewardship within the battery industry. For access to the original Battery (Amendments) Rules 2023, you may download the document.

DOWNLOAD – Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2023