Driving Sustainability: Revamping Battery Recycling with Higher EPR Prices

The battery recycling industry faces risks due to underpriced systems, allowing fraudulent players and posing environmental threats. Experts are urging a higher EPR floor price for sustainable recycling, with an emphasis on clean energy and reducing foreign exchange losses from importing critical minerals. Safe transport and pollution control are essential.

The battery recycling sector is at a crossroads as experts raise alarms over an underpriced system that may invite fraudulent entities and lead to environmental hazards. The industry is being urged to increase the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) floor price, essential for building a sustainable circular economy in battery recycling.

Industry analysts warn of significant economic risks, projecting a potential USD 1 billion foreign exchange loss for India in imports of essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The country's growing dependence on clean energy sources makes responsible battery recycling critical for sustainable progress.

The Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) has advocated for revising the EPR floor price upwards, ensuring competitive and standardized recycling practices. Incorporating higher prices is argued to minimally impact consumer costs while significantly enhancing recycling management and compliance. Government intervention is urged to maintain transparency and foster industry growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)