Battery Waste Management (BWM) Authorization
Introduction
- The amount of lead generated from secondary sources is greater than the amount produced from primary sources. According to estimates, the country's lead consumption is about 4.5 lakh tonnes, with only around 1.6 lakh tonnes derived from primary sources. Primary lead production is also decreasing across the world. This means that every year, more lead is produced via the secondary path, which involves hundreds of small-scale recyclers across the country. It is critical to ensure that lead is generated by secondary smelting only in an environmentally sustainable manner, as failure to do so would result in significant environmental and health issues. The Batteries Management and Handling Rules were adopted in 2001 with the primary goal of ensuring the safe disposal of discarded lead acid batteries with the participation of all stakeholders. To ensure environmentally sound recycling of used batteries, rules have been established to ensure proper monitoring and record keeping on the selling or import of lead acid batteries, as well as the storage of used batteries for recycling by registered recyclers.
- Improper lead handling and recycling could endanger workers' health and have a negative effect on the environment. As a result, it is critical to ensure that secondary lead processing takes place in facilities that are registered with the Central or State Pollution Control Boards in an environmentally sustainable manner. It is essential to ensure that all recyclables are directed to approved recycling facilities. It is also necessary to put an end to the widespread practise of smelting used lead acid batteries in backyards throughout the Country.
- Manufacturers, importers, reconditioners, and assemblers have responsibilities under the Batteries Rules to ensure that used batteries are collected and routed to Authorized recyclers. Other stakeholders, such as retailers, recyclers, customers, auctioneers, and regulators, including customs authorities, were also assigned responsibilities.
Applicability of Battery Waste Management Rules,2020
Every manufacturer, producer, collection centre, importer, reconditioner, refurbisher, dismantler, assembler, dealer, recycler, auctioneer, vehicle service centre, consumer, and bulk consumer involved in the manufacture, processing, sale, purchase, collection, storage, reprocessing, and use of batteries or their components, including their components, consumables, and spare parts that make up the product operational
- all types of batteries, regardless of form, length, weight, material composition, or use, as specified in Schedule-I;
- all appliances into which a battery is or may be fixed to operate
These regulations do not apply to Batteries used in:
- Equipment associated with the defence of vital security interests such as weapons, ammunition, and war material, and designed specifically for military purposes;
- Equipment designed to be sent into space are exempt from these Regulations (space exploration)
- Warning and emergency systems;
- Emergency lighting; and
- Medical Equipment
The import and export of battery waste, as well as hazardous waste produced in the establishments of users mentioned in Rule 2(1), are governed by the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling, and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008.
Tags : Authorization
Battery Waste
807 627 2381
