Two years ago, Amit Patel, a small EV parts trader from Gujarat, found himself losing clients because he couldn’t provide a valid EPR certificate for the batteries he was reselling.
Frustrated, he realized that while thousands were talking about EV growth, few were tackling the mounting waste.
Today, Amit runs a CPCB-authorized battery recycling unit processing 2,000 tonnes a year. His business not only earns profit but also supplies refined black mass to major EV manufacturers.
Stories like his are becoming common across India — entrepreneurs transforming compliance into opportunity. Let’s explore how you can do the same.
India’s Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) mark a turning point in how the nation handles battery waste.
The rules, notified in August 2022 and revised through 2025, make it mandatory for every player — producer, refurbisher, or recycler — to be traceable under a unified EPR framework.
Why these rules matter:
Key regulatory mandates under BWMR:
Insight from Green Permits: The CPCB portal now integrates state SPCB permissions, simplifying multi-state compliance. This shift is great news for expanding recyclers.
Five years ago, lithium-ion batteries were viewed as an import commodity. Today, they are a strategic resource. India’s EV, solar, and consumer electronics sectors are generating unprecedented waste streams — and the recycling market is exploding.
| Year | Estimated EV Battery Waste (tonnes) | Recycling Capacity (tonnes) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 50,000 | 28,000 | CPCB Annual Report |
| 2024 | 120,000 | 44,000 | IISD Report 2024 |
| 2030 | 500,000+ | Target 150,000+ | NITI Aayog Projection |
Interpretation: India will triple its waste generation by 2030. That’s not just a challenge — it’s a massive industrial opportunity.
Market drivers:
Human angle:
Startups like Attero and Lohum are proving that compliance-based recycling can yield double-digit margins — provided you meet CPCB and SPCB standards.
“What’s changing is perception,” says Sandeep, a recycler in Pune. “It’s not waste anymore — it’s the new oil.”
Setting up a recycling unit isn’t just about machines — it’s about paperwork that proves your environmental accountability.
Before you purchase equipment, plan your compliance roadmap:
| Approval Type | Issuing Authority | Purpose | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPR Registration | CPCB | Authorize recycling & traceability | 15–25 days |
| Consent to Establish (CTE) | State Pollution Control Board | Site and layout approval | 30–45 days |
| Consent to Operate (CTO) | State Pollution Control Board | Production-level license | 30 days |
| Hazardous Waste Authorization | SPCB / MoEFCC | Manage black mass, solvents | 25 days |
| Factory License + Labour Registration | Local Labour Dept. | Worker safety and welfare | 20 days |
| BIS Registration (if refurbishing cells) | BIS | Product quality and safety | 20 days |
Tip: Green Permits experts recommend submitting draft layouts and pollution-control designs early — it cuts the CTE approval time by nearly 20%.
Reality check:
Many applicants lose 2–3 months because of incomplete EPR annexures or unclear process flow charts. A professional compliance partner ensures that doesn’t happen.
While compliance sounds heavy, the financial math is promising.
Typical project snapshot (2025 prices):
Revenue streams include:
💬 “When we started, investors thought waste wasn’t sexy,” laughs Anjali Mehta, founder of a Delhi-based unit. “Now, banks call us first because CPCB authorization means credibility.”
The CPCB EPR portal is the heart of compliance. Every plant must have an active profile here.
To register as a Recycler:
Once registered, you’ll get a unique EPR number used in every sale invoice and return.
Annual Return Compliance:
Penalties for delay:
Green Permits Tip: Maintain digital monthly logs — CPCB now auto-tracks mismatch between input waste and declared recovery.
The technology you choose determines efficiency, emissions, and ROI.
Pyrometallurgical:
Hydrometallurgical:
Hybrid:
⚙️ Business Insight: Hydrometallurgical processes can reduce operating costs by 20–25% and qualify for green-financing incentives.
The MoEFCC committee reviewing black mass export in early 2025 has not allowed import or export permissions yet.
This is a major policy shift aimed at retaining valuable critical minerals within India.
What it means for entrepreneurs:
🔍 “The government wants India to refine, not just collect,” explains a senior MoEFCC official in committee minutes. “That’s why black mass export is on hold.”
When Arvind, a Pune-based recycler, first applied for EPR registration, he forgot to attach his updated CTE consent letter.
The portal flagged his application as incomplete, pushing back his approval by 60 days.
Later, with help from a compliance consultant, his revised submission got approved within 10 days.
💡 Lesson: Accuracy and attention to documentation save both time and credibility.
The global battery recycling industry is growing at 21.9% CAGR — and India is fast becoming a major player.
But the winners aren’t the fastest builders — they’re the most compliant ones.
CPCB registration not only makes your plant legal — it signals trust to OEMs, investors, and regulators.
Early adopters are already seeing smoother partnerships and access to government incentives.
So, whether you’re an entrepreneur exploring new markets or an existing manufacturer diversifying into recycling — now is the time.
📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation with Green Permits
EPR registration with CPCB, CTE/CTO from SPCB, and hazardous waste authorization are essential.
Yes, even new entities can apply, provided they have a registered site and valid CTE.
Typically 30–45 days if documents are correct and process flow is clear.
Between ₹10–50 lakh based on EPR target shortfall.
