How recycling e-waste and batteries can help India achieve net zero goal

India grapples with a growing mountain of electronic waste, but is scientific recycling the answer? Bizz Buzz talks to Prassan Daphal, CEO of Recyclekaro, to understand the challenges and the potential of battery recycling in India's electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Daphal warns, "The extent of scientific e-waste recycling in India is still in its nascent stage."

We delve deeper to find out what ails e-waste management and how battery recycling can pave the way for a sustainable future. From consumer electronics and household appliances to ICT equipment, e-waste encompasses a broad spectrum of devices. Yet, approximately 95 per cent of this waste is handled by the informal sector using crude methods that jeopardize both worker safety and the environment. As India seeks to transition to a greener future, understanding the intricacies of e-waste and battery recycling is crucial.

When we speak of ‘e-waste,’ what are the typical items that it covers? In broad terms, what is the extent of scientific e-waste recycling in India?

E-waste encompasses a broad spectrum of electronic and electrical devices that have reached the end of their lifecycle. Typically, this includes consumer electronics like TVs, computers, monitors, mobile phones, printers, and scanners; household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves; and smaller items like toasters and irons, as well as information and communication technology (ICT) equipment like servers, personal computers, laptops, and tablets. However, the extent of scientific e-waste recycling in India is still in its nascent stages. While there are registered e-waste recyclers, a substantial portion, approximately 95 per cent, is managed by the informal sector. Unfortunately, these informal recyclers often resort to crude methods that pose risks to both the workers and the environment.

What are the key concerns regarding the life and demand of EV batteries in the country, and how does battery recycling play a role in addressing these concerns?

In India, concerns regarding the lifespan and demand for EV batteries are multifaceted. One significant worry is the limited lifespan of these batteries, particularly noticeable in commercial vehicles such as rickshaws and taxis. The higher usage in these vehicles accelerates battery degradation, raising anxieties among potential buyers about the associated replacement costs. Another key concern is the high upfront cost of EV batteries, which often constitute a substantial portion of the vehicle's price tag. This factor makes consumers hesitant, especially when they do not perceive a clear plan for future battery disposal or potential reuse. Besides, India's heavy reliance on imported lithium-ion batteries poses a significant challenge to the EV industry. This import dependence leaves the industry vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, potentially hindering its growth and stability.

However, battery recycling emerges as a crucial solution to these concerns. By properly recycling used batteries, valuable materials like lithium and cobalt can be extracted. These materials can then be repurposed in the manufacturing of new batteries, thereby reducing production costs and making EVs more affordable for consumers. Moreover, battery recycling contributes to reducing the environmental impact of lithium mining, which has significant ecological consequences. By decreasing the need for virgin materials through recycling, the environmental burden associated with lithium extraction is lessened.

Additionally, establishing a robust recycling infrastructure creates a circular economy for battery materials. This closed-loop system benefits the environment and reduces India's dependence on foreign imports, thereby strengthening the domestic EV industry and enhancing its resilience against external market fluctuations.

How can battery recycling contribute to bolstering India's access to precious and rare metals?

Battery recycling holds immense potential for bolstering India's access to precious and rare metals. By efficiently recovering materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from used batteries, the country can reduce its dependence on imports, ensuring greater control over costs and supply chains. Additionally, recycling turns used batteries into a valuable urban mine, offering a sustainable and potentially cheaper alternative to traditional mining methods. This enhances domestic resource security, which is crucial as the demand for EVs rises. Moreover, a robust recycling industry can stimulate domestic manufacturing, reducing reliance on imported batteries and strengthening the overall EV sector. Furthermore, battery recycling creates new business opportunities, leading to job creation and economic growth. Overall, effective battery recycling practices can transform India into a more self-sufficient player in the critical metals market, benefiting both the EV industry and the nation's economy.

What steps can be taken to make battery recycling more economically viable in India?

Several steps can be taken to enhance the economic viability of battery recycling in India. Firstly, government support and policy interventions are crucial. Providing subsidies, tax breaks, and incentives for establishing and operating recycling facilities can stimulate investment in the sector. Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, where battery manufacturers are responsible for recycling used batteries, fosters innovation in battery design and promotes shared responsibility. Standardizing recycling processes ensures efficiency and reduces operational costs.

Infrastructure development is also essential. Collaboration between the government and private sector is necessary to build modern recycling facilities across the country. Formalizing the informal recycling sector through training and support improves collection rates and overall efficiency.

Technological advancements are keys as well. Investing in research and development of efficient and environmentally friendly recycling technologies, along with automation of sorting and dismantling processes, enhances efficiency and reduces labour costs. Additionally, raising consumer awareness through public campaigns about proper battery disposal and the benefits of recycling is crucial. Establishing convenient take-back systems for used batteries encourages participation and streamlines the recycling process. By implementing these measures collectively, India can establish a robust and economically viable battery recycling ecosystem, unlocking both environmental and economic benefits.

How can battery and e-waste recycling ultimately contribute to India's pursuit of its net zero ambition?

Battery and e-waste recycling are essential components in India's efforts to achieve its net zero goals, influencing critical sustainability areas. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new electronic components and batteries, recycling significantly lessens environmental impact. This is achieved by reclaiming and repurposing materials, reducing reliance on new resources and emissions from extraction and processing.

Additionally, recycling promotes resource conservation and a circular economy model, preventing e-waste from accumulating in landfills and harming the environment. This approach conserves natural resources and extends material lifespan, thus reducing the overall environmental impact of the electronics sector. Detailed recycling ensures the safe management of hazardous materials present in e-waste, protecting against soil and water contamination and enhancing public health measures.

Moreover, recycling batteries from electric vehicles holds the potential to provide sustainable material sources for vital energy storage systems, furthering the transition to clean energy technologies like solar and wind power. Ultimately, a robust battery and e-waste recycling system, serves as the foundation for a sustainable electronics industry, aligning with India's net zero objectives by reducing waste, preserving resources, and advocating for cleaner production practices. This collaboration benefits the environment, the economy, and public health, representing a significant step towards a greener and more.