India’s clean energy shift is creating a whole new business goldmine—lithium battery recycling. With electric vehicles, solar storage, and electronics on the rise, the pile of used batteries is growing fast. And here’s the good part: each used battery is like a mini mine, holding lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper that can be recovered and sold.
For business owners, this is more than just compliance—it’s a chance to enter one of the most promising green industries in India.
Every phone, every EV, every inverter battery will one day reach its end-of-life. If dumped carelessly, they can leak toxic metals into soil and water. Recycling solves two problems: it keeps the environment safe and brings valuable metals back into the economy.
Think of recycling as turning waste into wealth.
India’s Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, updated in 2025, made recycling a regulated business.
Key takeaways:
Compliance may sound heavy, but it’s also what creates entry barriers. Those who follow the rules stand out in a fast-growing market.
Lithium-ion batteries contain:
Each tonne recycled means a steady stream of metals that India otherwise imports at a high cost.
This will leave behind mountains of used batteries. Whoever builds recycling capacity today will be tomorrow’s market leader.
To start, you need:
It’s not just a license—it’s your ticket to generate EPR certificates, which means extra income.
Recyclers don’t just sell metals. They also generate EPR certificates—compliance credits that producers and importers must buy.
For example:
A small company in Gujarat set up a 2,000-tonne-per-year recycling unit. Within the first year:
Lesson: You don’t have to be a giant to succeed. Early movers—even SMEs—can grow fast.
Every opportunity has its hurdles:
But with the EV wave and policy support, the opportunity far outweighs the risks.
If you’re exploring this business, here’s your roadmap:
Yes. Between recovered metals and EPR certificates, recyclers can generate strong returns.
You’ll need consent to establish and operate under pollution laws, hazardous waste authorization, and CPCB registration.
A mid-sized plant typically requires ₹15–20 crore in setup costs.
Your plant can be suspended, and penalties under the Environment Act will apply.
Absolutely. Many small recyclers already supply metals and certificates to larger producers.
Every battery and its packaging must now carry a barcode or QR code with the EPR registration number.
Lithium battery recycling is not just another industry—it’s the backbone of India’s EV future. With compliance rules, EPR-driven demand, and rising waste volumes, the business case is clear.
Those who move early will secure contracts, scale faster, and build a reputation as responsible industry leaders.
Contact Green Permits
+91 78350 06182 | wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation with Green Permits
