The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India has notified Batteries (Management and Handling) Rule 2001 which are applicable to all battery manufactures, importers, re-conditioners, assemblers. Dealers. Recyclers, auctioneers, consumers and Bulk Consumers.

It is mandatory on the part of all battery manufacturers, importers, re-conditioners, assemblers, dealers, recyclers, auctioneers, consumers & bulk consumers to ensure that the used batteries are collected back against the sale of new batteries. Similar responsibilities are also cast upon the battery dealer, bulk consumers, consumers & recyclers under these rules.

It has come to the notice of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board that battery manufacturers, importers, assemblers. Dealers. Recyclers, auctioneers, consumers and Bulk Consumers do not return back the used lead batteries as required under the above rules and even are

engaged in selling such used batteries to lead battery smelting units in an unauthorized way. The Board has taken a serious note of such violation & illegal activities which is punishable under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

By this notice all concerned persons, organizations are directed to comply with the provisions of Batteries (Management and Handling) Rule 2001 & to return the used batteries to the respective dealers. The bulk consumers are directed to sale the old used lead batteries only to those lead recyclers having authorization of the Central Pollution Control Board. The compliance in this regard shall be submitted to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board on or before 30th June &31st December every year. Non-compliance will attract legal action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act 1986 & the aforesaid rules.

Sd/-
(D.B.Boralkar)
Member Secretary