"Government Plans Recycling Plant for Lithium-Ion Batteries and E-Waste in Uttarakhand"

The Technology Development Board (TDB) has joined forces with startup Remine India to inaugurate a commercial plant dedicated to recycling lithium-ion batteries and e-waste in Uttarakhand. This initiative, supported by a financial aid of Rs. 7.5 crore from TDB towards the Rs. 15 crore project, marks a significant step in tackling the burgeoning issue of e-waste, as confirmed by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Secretary of TDB, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, emphasized the critical need for such initiatives, especially given India's position as the third-largest generator of e-waste globally. He highlighted the potential of TDB's support in bridging the gap between informal and formal recycling channels, thereby fostering a circular economy. TDB operates under the purview of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The proposed recycling facility will be situated at Eldeco in the SIIDCUL Industrial Area of Sitarganj, Udham Singh Nagar district. It will leverage indigenous technology developed by the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET) to ensure efficient and sustainable recycling processes.

Rising utilization of lithium-ion batteries across various sectors, including electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage, has led to a surge in e-waste generation, as highlighted by the Ministry of Science. The ministry underscored the import of addressing the growing challenge posed by spent lithium-ion batteries, which constitute a significant portion of e-waste.

Despite the burgeoning market for lithium-ion battery recycling, with projections reaching $14.89 billion by 2030, only a mere 5% of these batteries undergo recycling, with the remainder ending up in landfills. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to promote responsible e-waste management practices.

Moreover, the dominance of the informal sector in e-waste management poses significant environmental and economic risks, further necessitating the establishment of efficient and eco-friendly recycling infrastructure.

Through this collaborative endeavor, TDB and Remine India aim to address these challenges by implementing sustainable and technologically advanced recycling methods, thus paving the way for a more environmentally conscious approach to e-waste management in India.

ET