Roundtable Tackles E-Waste & Battery Recycling Challenges

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Bharat Recycling Show 2025, the second edition of the event’s pre-show roundtable was successfully hosted by Media Fusion and Crain Communications on 27 June in New Delhi. The session gathered key industry leaders and experts to deliberate on the pressing issues of e-waste and end-of-life battery management in India.

The discussion addressed critical themes including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), enforcement challenges, and infrastructure limitations, all of which hinder efficient recycling in India’s rapidly expanding electronics and mobility sectors.

India's digital and electric mobility surge has brought a parallel rise in e-waste and battery waste. However, recycling systems have not kept pace. L. Pugazhenthy of the India Lead Zinc Development Association pointed out the fragmented nature of battery collection, especially with dry cells and lithium-ion batteries often escaping formal recycling channels. Despite existing Battery Rules, enforcement gaps and lack of dealer accountability persist.

Echoing this, Satish Sinha from Toxics Link stressed the need for stronger penalties and monitoring to deter non-compliance. Speakers noted that informal channels dominate due to weak enforcement and loopholes in auction and waste handling procedures.

India is the third-largest generator of e-waste globally, with the market expected to grow from USD 2.96 billion in 2024 to USD 8.92 billion by 2033. Experts like Preeti Tiwari (Landbell GreenForest Solutions) and Gautam Mehra (OpenGate Global Enterprises) highlighted the need for robust reverse logistics and real-time traceability in EPR systems.

Panelists also called for integrating the informal sector, deploying decentralized collection systems in rural areas, and supporting MSMEs with financial incentives to adopt advanced technologies. Insights from WRI India and GIZ emphasized global best practices and the role of data and training in enabling effective recycling across India’s diverse regions.

The discussions concluded with unanimous calls for stronger rule enforcement, standard pricing to curb undercutting, and cross-sector collaboration to make India’s battery and e-waste management both sustainable and scalable.

The Bharat Recycling Show 2025 is set to take place from 13–15 November 2025 at Hall 6, NESCO Exhibition Center, Mumbai, offering a focused exhibition and expert-led discussions to reshape India’s circular economy.