Activities

BATTERIES (MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING) RULES, 2001 has been enacted as per power under section 6, 8 and 25 of  Environment (Prot.) Act, 1986.  These rules came into effect on 6.5.2001.  Kerala State Pollution Control Board is the authority enforcing authority in Kerala.  These rules are applicable to Manufacturers, Importers. Re-conditioners, Assemblers, Dealers, Recyclers, Auctioneers, Consumers and Bulk Consumers of batteries.

OBJECTIVE OF THE LEGISLATION
The main objective is to ensure that used batteries are collected processed or disposed off safely. Responsibilities have been assigned under the rules of various agencies regarding the handling and  management of used batteries.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANUFACTURERS, IMPORTERS, ASSEMBLERS & RE-CONDITIONERS
Ensure that used batteries are collected back as per Schedule against new batteries sold.  Batteries sold to original equipment manufacturers and bulk consumers are excluded. Used batteries collected back are to be of similar type and specifications as the new batteries sold.  Half yearly return of sales and buy back are to be filed to the Pollution Control Board before 30^th June and 31^st December of every year. Collection centres are to be set either individually or jointly and it is to be ensured that used batteries are sent only to the registered recyclers.  It is also to be made sure that batteries are safely transported from collection centres to registered recyclers. Recycled lead is to be purchased only from registered recyclers and the international recycling sign has to be affixed on batteries.  Create public awareness on the hazards of  lead and their responsibility to return used batteries to dealers or deliver at designated centres. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEALER
New batteries are to sold after used batteries are collected back against an appropriate price and as per the Schedule. It is to be ensured that used batteries collected back are of similar type and specifications as those bought. File half yearly returns of sale and  buy back are to be submitted to the manufacturers by 31st May and 30th November every year. Used batteries collected back are to be safely transported to designated collection centres or to the registered recyclers without contaminating the environment during storage and transportation.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF RECYCLERS
Recyclers have to Register with the Ministry of Environment or  an agency designated for the purpose.  Presently the application is to be made to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment.  Consent to operate under the Water & Air Act and Authorisation under Hazard Waste Management Rules have to be obtained from the Board.  The Board will monitor compliance with conditions in the Registration.

ESTABLISHMENT OF COLLECTION CENTRES
Committee will be constituted with representatives from among manufacturers, importers, assemblers, reconditionersof batteries and representative of the Board.  The Committee will decide on the number of designated collection centres and the locations where they are to be established.  The Committee will decide on the facilities to be provided in each centre and on the sharing of running cost.  The Committee will oversee implementation and commissioning of centres.


RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONSUMER OR
BULK CONSUMER
Consumers and bulk consumers are to deposit used batteries with the dealer, manufacturer, importer, assembler, registered recycler, re-conditioner, or at designated collection centre.  Used batteries are to be auctioned to registered recycler only.  Bulk consumer or their units to auction used batteries to registered recycler only.  Half yearly returns are to be filed to the Board by the 30th June and 31st December every year.

SCHEDULE
[See rule 4(i) and 7(i)]