At the recent Asian Battery Conference in Borneo, two influential voices – L.Pugazhenthy (affectionately known as Mr Pug) executive director of the India Lead Zinc Development Association (ILZDA) and past president of the Indian Institute of Metals, and Vijay Pareek from Gravita India – offered a candid and compelling look at the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
India is one of the world’s largest consumers of lead, with an estimated market size of 1.5million tonnes. Over 85% of this demand is met through recycled lead, primarily sourced from used lead-acid batteries. Annual secondary lead production in India has grown to over 1.2 million tonnes, placing the country among the top five global producers.
The demand drivers are diverse and expanding. Lead-acid batteries remain the backbone of India’s automotive sector, especially in two- wheelers and commercial vehicles. The telecom industry, e-rickshaws, UPS, inverters and renewable energy storage solutions also rely heavily on lead-based energy storage. As electrification and digital infrastructure grow, so too does the need for reliable, recyclable lead battery technology.
India’s vast geography, industry diversity, and fragmented enforcement make lead battery collection and compliance difficult. Informal recyclers often engage in unsafe practices – melting batteries in open furnaces, releasing toxic fumes, and endangering the environment and operators’ health. These operations are not only undesirable but the yield is also lower.
Mr Pug was blunt in his assessment: “The informal sector is still a major challenge. Unless penalties are imposed or these units are shut down, many small operators won’t comply or change.”
Mr Pug pointed out the weak enforcement by State Pollution Control Boards, citing understaffing and unethical practices. “You need round- the-clock monitoring, like a security force. One-time action isn’t enough.”
He also criticised the omission of dealer’s responsibilities in the latest Battery Waste Management Rules 2022. Under the earlier BMHR, dealers were required to file returns and ensure proper collection and disposal of used batteries. This exclusion from the current legislation gives a free hand to informal activities. “Dealers are the first point of contact for consumers. If they’re not accountable, the whole system suffers.”
Despite these hurdles, India’s recycling rate is impressive. Over 85% of lead consumed in the country comes from recycling sources – a figure that rivals or exceeds many developed nations. The informal sector’s share has dropped to around 30%, thanks to awareness campaigns, regional seminars, and ILZDA/industry partnerships.
India now has 675 registered lead recyclers – far more than the United States, which has fewer than 10. This proliferation reflects both the scale of the market and the entrepreneurial spirit of Indian lead recyclers. Gravita India’s expansion into Africa, Sri Lanka and other global markets showcases the scalability of India’s recycling expertise.
Because of the informal sector, registered recyclers are not getting enough recyclables locally and hence some of these units have been permitted to import lead scrap, drained lead batteries, etc.
As lead recycling in India evolves, technology is playing a key role. Digital tracking systems, QR-coded battery labels, and centralised compliance platforms are helping to streamline operations and reduce fraudulent activities.
Gravita, a key player in lead recycling in India, exemplifies the formal sector’s evolution. With four recycling facilities and over 1,000 collection points nationwide, Gravita processes lead battery scrap into high- purity lead products for both domestic and international markets. The company’s operations are MCX-accredited and recognised by the International Lead Association (ILA), with a strong emphasis on environmental compliance, air pollution control, and community engagement.
Pareek emphasised that Gravita’s model is built on traceability and transparency. “Gravita was born as a solution to an environmental challenge,” he said. “We are at the forefront of the circular economy movement with our eco-friendly manufacturing of core products like lead and lead alloys.”
The regulatory landscape for lead recycling in India has undergone a major overhaul in recent years. The introduction of the Battery Waste Management Rules (2022) and the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) framework marked a turning point. Under EPR, battery manufacturers are now legally obligated to collect and recycle end-of-life batteries, with compliance tracked through digital platforms and QR-coded documentation.
Pareek described the EPR as a “game-changer,” formalising battery collection and curbing the informal sector’s dominance.
The End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Rules 2025 further reinforces this momentum. These regulations mandate the scrapping and recycling of vehicles after their operational lifespan, ensuring that batteries, metals and plastics are recovered and reused. Together, these frameworks aim to reduce primary raw material demand, minimise pollution, and promote sustainable manufacturing.
However, implementation remains a challenge. While large manufacturers like Exide, Amara Raja and Luminous have embraced formal recycling channels, thousands of small and mid-sized producers continue to operate outside the regulatory framework.
Both Mr Pug and Pareek agreed that the future of India’s lead battery recycling industry depends on mutual collaboration. Manufacturers, recyclers, regulators and consumers must work together to build a responsible system that is not only efficient but also ethical.
Public awareness is key. Many dealers sell the used batteries to unregistered dealers for cash, but educational campaigns, youth programmes, and media outreach can help shift behaviour and promote responsible recycling.
Policy enforcement must also be strengthened. Central and State Pollution Control Boards need more resources, training and autonomy to crack down on violators. Incentives for formal recyclers – such as tax breaks, infrastructure support, and export facilitation – can help level the playing field.
As Mr Pug puts it: “India is talking about space missions and nuclear energy. We can’t afford to let basic environmental enforcement lag behind.”
With robust policy frameworks and industry leaders driving innovation, lead recycling in India is poised for sustainable growth. But without strict enforcement, dealer accountability, and a crackdown on informal practices, the sector risks undermining its own progress.
The road ahead will require moral clarity and political will. If India can align its economic ambitions with environmental stewardship, it could become a global model for circular battery management.
