Question : RECYCLING OF BATTERY

(a) whether the Government has prepared any policy to encourage recycling of lead-acid battery in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is aware of the large scale illegal processing of used lead- acid batteries for recovery of lead despite a ban in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to grant permission to those registered units for recovery of lead which are equipped with environment-friendly facilities in the country?

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (Dr. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)

(a) to (e) Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 2006 for environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes including waste lead-acid battery. Recycling, reprocessing and reuse of the hazardous wastes form the core of these regulations. As per the Rules the hazardous waste generated shall be sent or sold to a recycler or reprocessor registered or authorized under the rules. The procedure for grant of Authorization and Registration is detailed in rule 5 and 8, respectively. State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees are the designated authorities for the grant and renewal of authorization and registration.