The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the science & technology ministry has partnered with a private entity to establish a commercial plant for recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and e-waste using indigenous technology in Uttarakhand. This move aims to enhance circularity and lessen the country’s reliance on imported critical mineral resources.
Presently, a large portion of LIBs, about 95%, end up in landfills without recycling, while only 5% undergo the process. The lithium-ion battery recycling market is expected to grow significantly, reaching close to $15 billion by 2030, showing a compound annual growth rate of 21.6%. In 2021, the market size was $3.8 billion. Improper disposal of LIBs through landfilling and incineration poses environmental and health risks. Effective recycling will not only provide secondary raw materials for cell manufacturing domestically but also help in averting health hazards.
