"A Comprehensive Guide to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Battery Waste"
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a government strategy that places the responsibility for the treatment and disposal of consumer goods on the shoulders of the manufacturers and importers. In the case of battery waste, the EPR certificate is issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
EPR for battery waste management is an approach that integrates environmental, economic, and social considerations. It aims to delegate responsibility to the producers and manufacturers, which can encourage trash reduction at the point of generation, promote environmentally friendly product development, and support recycling and waste management.
Under EPR for battery waste, producers, manufacturers, brand owners, and importers are held responsible for collecting and recycling a specified volume of batteries that they sell and distribute in the market. This helps in promoting a sustainable approach to battery waste management.
The validity of the EPR for battery waste certificate is one year from the date of issue. The certificate needs to be renewed after the expiry of one year.
The E-Waste Rules of 2016 mandate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the proper management and reuse of battery disposals, holding producers accountable for their physical and financial responsibility. To this end, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has urged all manufacturers and producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment to obtain EPR certification.
These rules apply to all entities involved in the production, sale, transfer, purchase, collection, storage, and processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment, including manufacturers, producers, consumers, bulk consumers, collection centers, dealers, e-retailers, refurbishers, dismantlers, and recyclers.
To obtain EPR certification, producers must fill out Form-1, after which CPCB will grant the respective authorization within 120 days after thorough inspection. This certification is valid for five years from the announcement date and must be renewed before the 120-day expiration period, with a compliance report obtained from the relevant State Pollution Control Board. Additionally, producers must submit their annual records on or before the 30th day of June each year.
Empowering Responsible Producers: EPR Authorization and Implementation Services
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a strategy where the responsibility of ensuring the environmentally sound management of e-waste through proper channelization falls on any producer of electrical or electronic equipment. This may include implementing a take-back system, setting up collection centers, or both, and making agreed arrangements with EPR authorized dismantlers or recyclers, either individually or collectively. The main objective of EPR is to promote environmental-friendly product development, reduce waste generation, and encourage recycling and waste management practices.
| Battery Category | EEE Code | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Lead acid | 404 | Car batteries, backup power for telecom equipment |
| Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) | 405 | Rechargeable batteries for power tools, emergency lighting |
| Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) | 406 | Rechargeable batteries for digital cameras, toys |
| Lithium ion (Li-ion) | 407 | Cell phone batteries, laptop batteries, electric vehicle batteries |
| Other chemistries | 408 | Zinc-carbon batteries, alkaline batteries |
