When Shourab Malik, a mid-sized manufacturer from Madhya Pradesh, began noticing how fast India’s EV market was expanding, he wondered if battery recycling could be the next big thing. His factory already handled industrial waste safely — so he thought, “Why not step into EV batteries?”
But as he dug deeper, he hit a wall: which licenses were needed, how to register with CPCB, and most importantly, whether the investment would actually pay off.
If you’re asking the same questions — this guide is for you. Let’s explore the real business opportunity, the licenses you’ll need, and how to plan for a sustainable return on investment (ROI) in EV battery recycling.
India’s electric vehicle revolution is reshaping industries across the board. Every EV battery sold today will eventually reach its end of life — creating a vast recycling market.
Here’s what’s happening right now:
| Year | EV Battery Waste (Tonnes) | Estimated Recycling Capacity (Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 85,000 | 25,000 |
| 2025 (Projected) | 1,80,000 | 75,000 |
In simple terms: India will soon generate far more used batteries than recyclers can currently handle. That gap represents a multi-crore opportunity for businesses that move early and get licensed properly.
Why it’s the right time to enter:
To run a legitimate recycling plant, you’ll need more than machinery — you need regulatory clearance at both the central (CPCB) and state (SPCB) levels.
Setting up a lithium-ion battery recycling plant is a serious business project. Your investment and ROI depend on capacity, technology, and compliance readiness.
| Metric | 2024 Benchmark | 2030 Projection |
|---|---|---|
| National Recycling Capacity | ~44,000 tonnes | ~1,45,000 tonnes battery waste expected |
| Capacity Gap | — | ~1,00,000 tonnes (potential for new players) |
What this means: There’s space for dozens of mid-scale recyclers to enter the market before 2030. Businesses that secure licenses early will have first access to OEM contracts and recycling partnerships.
Ignoring compliance doesn’t just risk fines — it can stop your business entirely.
Consider this: A recycler in Gujarat started operations before securing state PCB consent. Six months later, an inspection forced a two-month shutdown and an ₹8 lakh penalty. The downtime wiped out a quarter of their profits for that year.
Avoid these pitfalls by:
Remember — compliance is your credibility. OEMs and financial institutions prefer dealing with registered, compliant recyclers.
When Shourab Malik finally completed his CPCB registration and state approvals, he landed a partnership with an EV fleet operator. Within six months, his plant began operating at 60% capacity, and by the second year, his ROI projections turned positive.
He now mentors other small manufacturers in MP to follow the same compliance-first path — proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
EV battery recycling in India isn’t just an environmental obligation — it’s a long-term business opportunity.
Those who combine early compliance, strategic partnerships, and sound technology choices can build businesses that last for decades.
If you’re planning to enter this space, start with your regulatory roadmap — and make sure your foundation is strong before investing in equipment or land.
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Book a Consultation with Green Permits — get guided on licenses, cost modeling, and registration strategy.
You’ll need CPCB registration under the Battery Waste Management Rules and state pollution control board approvals (CTE and CTO).
Typically between ₹5 – ₹20 crore, depending on technology and capacity.
Yes, startups can start with smaller capacity units or refurbishment models — as long as they’re registered.
Timely compliance — it reduces risk, attracts partners, and improves ROI.
