Background
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued the Guidelines for Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transportation of Waste Batteries in July 2026, in exercise of the power conferred under Rule 11(17) of the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. The BWM Rules, 2022 establish an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for the management of waste batteries across categories such as portable, automotive, electric vehicle, and industrial batteries, and Rule 11(17) specifically empowers the CPCB to prescribe environmentally sound procedures for the collection, storage, transportation, refurbishment, and recycling of such waste batteries. These Guidelines operationalise that mandate by laying down detailed, facility-level requirements for the stakeholders involved in the waste battery value chain.
As this is a first-time issuance and no amendments have yet been made to it, the Guidelines set out a single consolidated framework rather than superseding any prior instrument. They work in conjunction with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 since waste batteries, particularly lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, are also hazardous waste as well as with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for transportation-related requirements. The core regulatory mechanism introduced covers four stages of the waste battery lifecycle: establishment and operation of collection centres and drop points; safe handling and storage of waste batteries by type and chemistry; and their transportation to authorised recyclers, each governed by detailed technical and procedural safeguards aimed at preventing fire, spillage, and environmental contamination.
Applicability
These Guidelines apply to collection centres set up by producers, recyclers, or refurbishers, which must be authorised under the Hazardous Waste framework and are responsible for receiving, weighing, sorting, and safely storing waste batteries before onward movement; to producers, who bear overarching responsibility for establishing collection systems, drop points, and storage infrastructure and for ensuring waste batteries are handled and stored in accordance with the prescribed safety and environmental safeguards; to recyclers and refurbishers, who receive waste batteries from collection centres and must comply with the same storage, segregation, and record-keeping requirements at their own facilities; and to transporters and the senders of waste battery consignments (whether producers, collection centres, recyclers, or refurbishers), who are responsible for using prescribed packaging, ensuring leak-proof and fire-safe transport, and obtaining the necessary transport authorisations, intimations, and inter-state No Objection Certificates before moving waste batteries for recycling.
Key Compliance Obligations under Battery Waste Guidelines (Collection, Handling, Storage & Transportation), 2026:
Collection centres shall obtain CTE / CTO / Authorization under Hazardous Waste from respective SPCBs/PCCs under Green Category as applicable, as per the Classification of Sectors into Red, Orange, Green, White and Blue Categories issued by CPCB.
Collection centres should submit Annual Returns to the concerned SPCBs/PCCs of the previous financial year by 30th June of every year as per Form 4 of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
Collection centres setting up drop points for portable/household/dry cell batteries must ensure: (a) Drop points are not directly exposed to sunlight, rain, or adverse weather; (b) Drop points are installed in secure and well-monitored locations to prevent unauthorised access; (c) Drop points are placed away from areas frequented by children or pets; (d) Adequate signage and instructions are provided at drop points; (e) Containers used are resistant to battery electrolytes; (f) Bins/boxes are placed in well-ventilated, dry, sheltered areas; (g) Adequate ventilation and fire protection systems are provided at each drop point; (h) Regular pickup schedules are maintained to collect batteries.
The quantity of batteries stored at any drop point shall be restricted to a modest volume to avoid over-accumulation, and shall be supported through periodic and timely collection arrangements. Transportation of waste batteries from drop points to collection centres must be carried out as per the transportation guidelines in Section 6.0 of the Guidelines.
No acid draining, dismantling, or seal removal of waste batteries shall be permitted at drop points.
Collection centres must have weighing equipment for weighing each delivery received and maintain records of the type/kind of waste battery collected (Lead Acid, Lithium-ion, Zinc-based, etc.). Records shall be maintained as per Rule 20 of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 in the format prescribed in Annexure I of the Guidelines.
Collection centres must provide separate spacing for storing different types (Portable, Automotive, Industrial, EV) and kinds (Lead Acid, Lithium-ion, Zinc-based, Nickel-Cadmium, etc.) of waste battery.
Fire-rated partitioning and an adequate physical gap between battery stacks shall be maintained to reduce fire-spread risk. Collection centres with relatively large storage capacities shall be equipped with CO₂ or other inert-gas-based fire-suppression systems to ensure enhanced safety.
All personnel must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, eyewear, an apron, and shoes, while collecting or handling damaged and defective batteries at collection centres.
When an accident occurs at the facility while handling hazardous or other wastes, the occupier shall immediately intimate the SPCB/PCC through telephone or e-mail. A report of the accident shall be sent as per Rule 22 of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 in the format prescribed in Annexure II of the Guidelines.
No dismantling, shredding, or processing activities shall be carried out at collection centres.
Waste batteries collected should be given only to registered recyclers, either directly or on instructions of the producer. No collection centre shall sell waste batteries to traders or dealers; sales shall be made only to authorised recycling units.
Storage areas at collection centres must be provided with flameproof electrical fittings. Automatic smoke and heat detection systems must be provided in the sheds. Adequate firefighting systems must be provided for the storage area and all other areas of the facility. The storage and handling areas must have at least two escape routes in the event of fire, with doors and approaches of suitable size for forklifts and firefighting equipment.
Measures must be taken to prevent runoff entry into the storage area. The storage area floor level must be at least 150 mm above the maximum flood level. The storage area floor must be provided with secondary containment with proper slopes and a collection pit to collect leakages/spills. All storage yards must be provided with a proper peripheral drainage system connected with a sump to collect accidental spills and firefighting flow.
A system for inspection of the storage area to check the conditions of the batteries, spillages, and leakages must be established and proper records must be maintained. Good housekeeping must be maintained around storage areas. Only persons authorised and trained in hazardous waste handling procedures should have access to the storage site. Mock drills for on-site emergency must be conducted regularly and records maintained.
Mock drill for onsite emergency should be conducted regularly and records maintained.
Only persons authorized to enter and trained in hazardous waste handling procedures should have access to the storage site.
Signboards showing precautionary measures to be taken, in case of normal and emergency situations should be displayed at appropriate locations
Good housekeeping need to be maintained around the storage areas
The storage and handling should have at least two routes to escape in the event of any fire in the area. Doors and approaches of the storage area should be of suitable sizes for entry of fork lift and firefighting equipment
Loading and unloading of wastes in storage sheds should only be done under the supervision of the well trained and experienced staff
Every producer, collection centre, recycler, and refurbisher may store waste batteries for a period not exceeding 90 days and shall maintain records of the collection, sale, transfer, and storage of waste batteries, making these records available for inspection. The standard storage period may be extended by the SPCBs/PCCs as per Rule 8 of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
Waste batteries must be stored on surfaces made of concrete, ceramic, metal, or other non-flammable materials. Storage area must be cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, and free from areas where batteries could overheat. Storage area must be free of sharp objects and tools that could puncture battery outer casings. Battery terminals or loose wires must be protected using non-conductive tape, and battery packs must not be placed near heat sources or extreme temperatures.
Facilities must store waste batteries type-wise (Portable, Automotive, Industrial, EV) and kind-wise (Lead Acid, Lithium-ion, Zinc-based, Nickel-Cadmium, etc.). The storage area must have a fire protection system in place including fire detector, CO₂ fire extinguisher, emergency kits, protective eyewear, gloves, and a fireproof safety bag or container.
Leaking or damaged batteries must be separated from other waste batteries and individually protected. Leaked material must be immediately contained to prevent spreading, using absorbent materials such as sawdust to soak up electrolyte. Appropriate PPE must be worn while handling these batteries. Portable spill containment and clean-up equipment must be kept on-site with relevant training provided. Used absorbents must be collected and sent to a TSDF for treatment and disposal as per hazardous waste rules.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) must be established by the unit for the storage and movement of batteries within the facility and handling of batteries in the premises. Trained personnel with HAZMAT training must be designated to execute these procedures.
The quantity of waste batteries stored at a Collection Centre or drop points shall not exceed the quantity specified in the approved CTO/Authorisation issued under the Hazardous Waste Rules by the respective SPCBs/PCCs.
Lithium-ion batteries may be stored at approximately 30% of their rated capacity at an optimal storage temperature at or below 35°C.
Containers with adequate ventilation (e.g. venting cap, non-airtight) must be used for battery storage. Electrically non-conductive and non-combustible cushioning material such as vermiculite must be incorporated to occupy voids between cells or batteries within packaging. When using metal storage containers, a non-conductive lining material such as a plastic bag must be fitted to prevent battery-to-metal contact and reduce short circuit risk. Damaged batteries may be stored in metal containers with non-conductive linings to contain fire risks.
The sender of waste battery (producer, recycler, refurbisher, or collection centre) must identify a transporter or make arrangements for transporting waste battery in a manner that keeps environmental consequences of hazards associated with its transport to a minimum. The transport of waste battery shall be in accordance with the provisions of the BWM Rules, 2022, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Rule 18 of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
Waste batteries must be transported using the containers and packaging specified in Section 5.1 of the Guidelines. Mixing of waste batteries with other materials during transportation must be avoided. Packaging must prevent contact with other devices, conductive materials, or fluids such as acid or water, and ensure protection against weather conditions such as rain. Containers must be well packed and secured to the transport vehicle and must not be allowed to move while being transported, containers must be bound, shrink wrapped or stacked properly.
Battery terminals must be taped to prevent exposure and short-circuiting during transportation, and unlined metal boxes must be avoided. Where metal boxes are used, they must be properly lined with plastic, rubber, or foam and the battery terminals must be securely taped such lined metal boxes may in fact be preferred, as they are fire-resistant, protect against crushing, impacts, and punctures, and can be sealed against moisture, dust, and mechanical wear. Lithium-ion batteries must be packaged in a manner that prevents short circuits during transportation.
Lithium-ion waste battery packs must have a State of Charge (SoC) less than 30% of their rated capacity while being transported. Lithium-ion waste battery packs must be kept away from heat sources or extreme temperatures during transportation.
The base of the waste transport cabin shall be leak-proof to avoid pilferage of liquid during transportation. Vehicles used for transportation of used lead acid batteries must be leak-proof. The flooring of the containers should have wood sawdust. Used lead acid battery scrap must be transported inside shock-resistant and acid-resistant sealed containers in an upright position due to the risk of leakage.
In case of transportation of waste battery for recycling, the sender shall intimate the State Pollution Control Board before handing over the waste to the transporter, as per Rule 19 of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
The authorisation for transport shall be obtained either by the sender or the receiver on whose behalf the transport is being arranged. The responsibility for safe transport shall rest with either the sender or the receiver, whosoever arranges the transport and has the necessary authorisation from the concerned SPCB/PCC. This responsibility must be clearly indicated in the manifest as per Rule 19 of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. Appropriate firefighting equipment such as a regular fire extinguisher must be kept in the vehicle in case a battery catches fire during transportation.
In case of transit of waste battery for recycling through a State other than the States of origin and destination, the sender shall give prior intimation to the concerned SPCB/PCC of the States of transit before handing over the wastes to the transporter, and shall also obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from the SPCB/PCC of both the States of transit. This must be carried out in accordance with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
Penalty & Consequences
The following penalty provisions apply across the compliance obligations covered in this blog:
Section 6.0 of the Guidelines (read with CPCB Environmental Compensation Guidelines, September 2024) — Action for Violations
Action against violations of these Guidelines is taken in accordance with the Guidelines for Environmental Compensation (EC) issued under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, published by the CPCB in September 2024. Rather than prescribing a fixed monetary penalty within the Guidelines themselves, non-compliance by collection centres, producers, recyclers, refurbishers, or transporters is actioned through the EC mechanism, under which the quantum of compensation is assessed on a case-specific basis by the concerned State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee having regard to the nature and extent of the violation.
Rule 11(17) of the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 — Enabling Provision
Rule 11(17) empowers the Central Pollution Control Board to issue guidelines for the environmentally sound collection, storage, transportation, refurbishment, and recycling of waste batteries. The July 2026 Guidelines summarised in this blog have been issued in exercise of this power, and non-compliance with them is treated as non-compliance with the framework established under Rule 11(17).
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