IBMA proposes changes to CPCB’s EC guidelines on battery waste management

The Indian Battery Manufacturers Association (IBMA), representing an industry with an annual turnover of Rs. 50,000 Crores, has shared its recommendations on the recently introduced Environmental Compensation (EC) guidelines by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These guidelines aim to enhance waste management practices and support a circular economy within the battery sector.

The updated EC guidelines for Lead now include the cost of recycling waste batteries, reflecting the recycling system for lead-acid batteries. With a recycling rate above 98%, lead-acid batteries are among the most recycled products, backed by an ecosystem that facilitates the recovery and resale of refined Lead to manufacturers.

IBMA members have invested in reverse logistics for proper collection, handling, and transportation of used batteries to authorized recyclers. However, including recycling costs in the EC while requiring manufacturers to purchase EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) credits at elevated prices could lead to duplicate reimbursements to recyclers. IBMA suggests that EPR credits be made available at no cost to manufacturers already incurring expenses at all stages of waste management.

The guidelines propose a minimum EPR credit pricing at 30% of the EC, which IBMA believes may increase compliance costs and consumer prices. IBMA recommends allowing market-driven pricing for EPR credits to balance economic feasibility and consumer affordability.

Approximately 70% of battery recycling involves a two-step process, producing remelted Lead (RML) that requires further refining, while only 30% occurs in integrated facilities that directly process waste batteries into refined Lead. Current rules restrict EPR credit issuance to integrated facilities, excluding a significant portion of recyclers. IBMA suggests extending eligibility for EPR credits to all certified recycling processes with proper traceability to waste battery input. Safeguards could address potential double-accounting of EPR credits.

IBMA also recommends revising material consumption and recovery norms to achievable levels to support compliance with future targets.

The waste management rules specify Copper content in batteries at 11% by weight and estimate related costs for collection, handling, and transportation at Rs. 25/kg compared to Rs. 3/kg for lead-acid batteries. Copper processing costs are estimated at Rs. 1850/kg, leading to an EC calculation of Rs. 1875/kg, while the price of virgin Copper ranges between Rs. 800-850/kg. IBMA argues that these figures are not aligned with industry practices and may increase compliance costs.

Producers have raised concerns that EC calculations based on Copper are not representative, as Copper is not the primary material in lead-acid batteries.

Ms. Preeti Bajaj, President of IBMA, emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration, stating, “Engaging deeply with industry stakeholders isn’t just important—it’s essential for crafting rules that truly work. Together, we have the power to create guidelines that are economically viable and environmentally progressive. Our goal is to foster a regulatory environment where innovation thrives in harmony with sustainable practices.”

Also read: Attero launches Selsmart: A D2C e-waste take-back platform