THE BATTERIES (MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING) RULES – 2001

In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986), the Central Government notified the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001. The Batteries (Management & Handling) Rules, 2001 was notified in May, 2001 to regulate the collection, channelization and recycling as well as import of used lead acid batteries in the country. These rules inter-alia make it mandatory for consumers to return used batteries. All manufacturers/ assemblers/ reconditioners/ importers of lead acid batteries are responsible for collecting used batteries against new ones sold as per a schedule defined in the rules. Such used lead acid batteries can be auctioned /sold only to recyclers registered with the Ministry on the basis of their possessing environmentally sound facilities for recycling/recovery.