India is riding a wave of electric mobility. With ambitious national targets and rapid advances in battery and vehicle technology, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a distant dream but an accelerating reality on Indian roads. However, one critical piece of the puzzle still remains largely unaddressed: what happens to the batteries once they reach their end of life?
The success of any large-scale EV transformation hinges not just on how efficiently we manufacture and deploy batteries but also on how sustainably we manage their disposal and reuse. Lithium-ion battery recycling is emerging as a strategic necessity—one that combines environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and long-term energy security.
India is projected to generate over 2 lakh tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste by 2030, according to NITI Aayog estimates. These batteries, if not properly handled, pose significant environmental and safety risks due to their flammable nature and toxic content.
At the same time, they also represent an untapped source of valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite—critical minerals that are increasingly hard to procure and largely imported.
Currently, India imports over 70 per cent of its lithium-ion cells from countries like China and South Korea. This dependency poses both geopolitical and economic risks, especially as global demand surges.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global demand for lithium is expected to grow by over 40 times by 2040, driven largely by the rise of EVs and energy storage solutions. In this context, battery recycling offers a pathway not only to reduce imports but also to build a secure, circular domestic supply chain.
The recycling process itself has evolved significantly in recent years. Advanced methods such as hydro-metallurgy and pyro-metallurgy, along with newer techniques like direct recycling, are now capable of recovering over 90% of key battery materials. These processes are far more environmentally friendly than mining, which involves high water consumption, carbon emissions, and often, ethically questionable labour practices.
But while the technology exists, the infrastructure in India is still nascent. Most of the country’s e-waste, including spent batteries, is processed by informal sector players who lack the capacity or compliance framework to handle hazardous materials. The challenge is two-fold: first, to establish a strong formal recycling ecosystem, and second, to integrate collection and reverse logistics at scale.
Policy frameworks are beginning to address this gap. The Government of India’s Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, mandate producers to ensure the collection and recycling of used batteries under an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. The introduction of battery passports, traceability requirements, and environmental compensation mechanisms signals a step in the right direction. However, enforcement and industry collaboration remain critical to turn regulation into measurable impact.
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What is also needed is public awareness and consumer participation. Just as we now segregate household waste or carry our own bags to supermarkets, battery recycling must become a habit—supported by incentives, easy collection mechanisms, and visible environmental benefits. Educational campaigns, B2B partnerships, and integration with EV servicing networks can all help close the loop.
Globally, countries are already investing in battery circularity as part of their energy and industrial strategies. The European Union has mandated battery passports by 2027, tracking materials, emissions, and recyclability. The U.S., through the Inflation Reduction Act, incentivises domestic recycling to qualify for EV subsidies. India, too, has the opportunity to lead—not just in battery deployment but in sustainable battery stewardship.
Ultimately, the EV revolution must be about more than just replacing petrol with lithium. It must be about building a clean, circular economy where materials are reused, emissions are minimised, and innovation serves both industry and the planet. Lithium-ion recycling isn’t just the missing link—it is the backbone of that vision.
The writer is founder and managing director of Recyclekaro, an e-waste management and lithium-ion battery recycling company based in Navi Mumbai
