Introduction to EPR Certificate for Battery Waste Management
In the past few years, the appetite for battery production and supply has
grown on a tremendous scale. With limited
non-renewable energy options, the world is pouring investments into coming
up with sustainable storage options that will
aid in the energy transition, one of which is electric batteries. With their
ability to store energy, they could aid in
the transition as the world progressively substitutes power generated from
fossil fuels with emissions-free
electrification.
As an outcome of this fresh emphasis on sources of clean energy, the
production and use of batteries are expanding. Yet,
due to the country's massive increase in battery imports and production,
there currently is no established procedure in
place for disposing of the waste produced during the production process in a
way that is environmentally safe.
Hence, it is crucial to have a proactive approach to address the issue of
growing battery waste, for which the
Government has introduced the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. With the
objective to ensure that the used batteries
are disposed of responsibly, the above-mentioned guidelines were introduced
in August 2022, which replaced the Battery
Management & Handling Rules, 2001.
Definition of EPR Registration for Battery
The Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR initiative has been implemented
by the Indian government, which calls for
battery importers and producers to manage and dispose of the battery waste
in a way that is environmentally conscious
whilst simultaneously holding them accountable for the volume of waste they
produce throughout the products' shelf
lives.
In light of this, it is the responsible party's obligation under the
regulations to assure that batteries are recycled
through CPCB-authorized recyclers and to acquire an EPR certificate from
recyclers that reflects the quantity of
batteries recycled.
For the purposes of the guidelines and rules, waste batteries may include
the used and/or end-of-life batteries and/or
their components, spares, parts, or consumables, which could or couldn't be
harmful; and Utilized and/or end-of-life
batteries and/or their components or spares.
Pre-consumer Off-Spec Battery, together with any of its spare parts,
supplies, or components; Battery whose date of
suitable usage has passed; and Batteries that have been abandoned by the
user.
Applicability of EPR Battery Certificate
- 1. Registration of Producers and Importers: According to the aforementioned regulations, a producer is referred to as an entity that produces, sells, imports, and uses batteries, including used batteries, within devices, either its brand or a brand that has been produced by other suppliers or manufacturers.
- 2. Every producer is responsible under EPR for collecting, recovering, and reconditioning spent batteries, as well as using recovered waste materials for producing new batteries. Rule 4 of the BWM Rules 2022, every producer and anyone or entity engaged in the production of batteries must register with the CPCB via a centralized online portal.
- 3. Registration of Refurbishers and Recyclers: The State Pollution Control Board requires that all recyclers and refurbishers register on the centralized portal to acquire a one-time registration.
Benefits of EPR for Battery Waste
- 1. Streamline Supply Chain and Waste Management: EPR authorization allows businesses to identify and improve points of weakness in the waste distribution system. This reduces overhead costs and places fewer demands on budget-conscious organizations. EPR license enables the accessibility of a definite framework that allows businesses to operate effectively while eliminating needless inefficiencies and expenses.
- 2. Optimise Waste Management Methods: EPR permission provides entities with greater clarity on how waste should be collected, handled, recycled, or disposed of. It enables them to reinforce their existing waste management structure while rendering it more effective and smoother.
- 3. Enhance Interaction with Affiliate Units: High costs are unavoidable in the early stages of EPR implementation. By strengthening collaboration with linked units, this can be reduced. Under EPR authorization, the company has a clear grasp of how to carry out waste management activities, such as directing battery waste to recycling and disposal facilities.
- 4. Higher Business Goodwill:The approval of EPR has a favorable impact on the company's image and goodwill. Having EPR certification at disposal indicates the business is devoted to environmentally friendly resource usage and lower waste generated by their battery products. To strengthen their reputation in the industry, most of the major players devote careful consideration to these standards.
- 5. Ensure Cost-Cutting in Waste Management: Waste management and cost-cutting are often viewed as incompatible, but EPR authorization can overcome complexities and make waste management more cost-efficient. This allows entities to focus on cost-efficient activities while maintaining productivity.