Govt introduces strict EC guidelines for violations of battery waste rules

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced stringent environmental compensation (EC) guidelines to penalize violations of the Battery Waste Management (BWM) Rules, 2022.

These guidelines were issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on September 10. Penalties will be enforced not only for non-compliance with battery waste regulations but also for failing to meet metal-wise extended producer responsibility (EPR) targets.

The government has established varying EPR credit costs, ranging from Rs 18 per kg for lead batteries to Rs 2,400 per kg for lithium batteries with various battery chemistries come with different recycling costs.

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This initiative ensures that producers are held accountable for managing battery waste according to the environmental impact and recycling complexity of each type of battery, according to the guidelines.

EPR targets are environmental regulations that require producers to manage the entire lifecycle of their products, including their disposal and recycling.

These measures aim to promote proper waste management practices and enhance environmental sustainability across the country.

The CPCB has been tasked with developing and implementing guidelines to impose and collect EC from non-compliant entities.

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