Evergreen Reyclekaro India Pvt Ltd, popularly known as RecycleKaro, is a company dedicated to completing the value chain of a circular economy. It responsibly and scientifically recycles e-waste and spent batteries, helping in the extraction of valuable resources that are redirected to manufacturers as raw material. In this conversation, we have Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director, RecycleKaro, expounding on the subject of scientific e-waste recycling – its criticality in a developing nation like India, and the positive contribution that it can ultimately make to the country’s Net Zero goals.
When we speak of “e-waste,” what are the typical items that it covers? In broad terms, what is the extent of scientific e-waste recycling in India?
E-waste encompasses a wide range of electronic and electrical items such as computers, laptops, smartphones, monitors, digital cameras, gaming consoles, servers, and various electronic gadgets that have reached the end of their useful life or become obsolete. In India, there has been significant progress in scientific e-waste recycling, owing to government initiatives and increased private sector involvement. The introduction of Amended E-waste Management Rules in 2022 marked a milestone, providing clear guidelines. Over the past five years, the country has seen a notable rise in recycling facilities, reflecting a commitment to responsible e-waste management and environmental protection. Further improvements are still needed in this growing sector.
Please tell us in some detail about the e-waste recycling by RecycleKaro. What are the main items recycled and what is the annual processing capacity?
RecycleKaro stands as a pioneering force in the e-waste recycling sector, boasting an impressive annual processing capacity of 7,500 tonnes. Our core commitment lies in the responsible management of electronic waste, making significant strides towards environmental sustainability. Our e-waste recycling encompasses a broad spectrum of electronic and electrical items, ranging from computers and mobile phones to televisions and various appliances, as previously mentioned. Our advanced recycling techniques efficiently recover valuable materials and components from these discarded electronics.
The end-products resulting from RecycleKaro’s recycling processes are diverse and environmentally advantageous. These include precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium, vital components in electronics manufacturing and highly coveted for their intrinsic value. Furthermore, we reclaim base metals such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and iron, all of which find new life in various industries.
RecycleKaro’s commitment extends to mitigating the environmental impact of e-waste by effectively recycling plastics and poly vinyl chloride (PVC), thus alleviating the burden on natural resources. By recovering and recycling these materials, we reduce the demand for virgin resources, minimize pollution, promote resource sustainability, and contribute significantly to environmental protection.
Describe in some detail the process of collection of e-waste, highlighting the role of partner entities involved.
E-waste collection is a complex, cooperative effort to ensure responsible disposal. It begins with E-Waste Inspection, where experts assess, categorize, and estimate the waste’s weight. E-Waste segregation follows — sorting materials on-site for efficient recycling. E-Waste collection retrieves and weighs the waste for payment based on market rates. The collected e-waste is transported to a recycling facility, undergoing dismantling & sorting by skilled workers who prepare components for recycling.
Recycling processes metals and plastics separately, recovering valuable materials like gold and silver from circuit boards. Certifications like ISO14001 or R2 ensure compliance with environmental regulations. E-waste management is a collaboration among generators, collection teams, transport, recycling facilities, governments, environmental organizations, and consumers, safeguarding the environment and human health.
In your estimate, how much e-waste is generated in India, and how much of this is scientifically recycled? How can this proportion be improved? In what way can the government help, through policies or other incentives?
India faces a significant e-waste challenge, ranking as the world’s third-largest producer. In the fiscal year 2021-22, India generated a massive 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste, but only around 0.5 million tonnes were formally collected and processed. The rest often ends up in landfills due to a lack of awareness and infrastructure.
To enhance e-waste recycling, the government has implemented e-waste and battery waste management rules and also introduced EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) policies and live tracking portals. This will further strengthen recycling regulations with EPR programs holding manufacturers accountable for product end-of-life management. Incentivizing registered recyclers through tax breaks and subsidies can promote formal recycling. Public awareness campaigns should educate citizens about the hazards of improper disposal.
The government should establish convenient collection points, enforce penalties for illegal dumping, and support research in sustainable recycling technologies. These interventions can improve e-waste recycling, reducing environmental and health risks.
Let us come to battery recycling. We understand that RecycleKaro recycles lithium-ion batteries. Tell us more on the lines of battery recycling.
RecycleKaro is a dedicated lithium-ion battery recycling specialist with an impressive annual capacity of 2,200 tonnes. The company plays a vital role in sustainable battery management by carefully dismantling and extracting valuable materials. Recovered metals like lithium carbonate, cobalt sulphate, nickel, and manganese sulphate are repurposed in various industries. Sodium sulphate is responsibly repurposed, while copper and aluminium are recycled. Plastic components undergo environmentally conscious disposal or recycling. By recycling lithium-ion batteries, RecycleKaro conserves resources and reduces the environmental impact of battery disposal, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to battery waste management.
From an ecological perspective, what is the danger of unscientific disposal of batteries, in general, and of lithium-ion batteries in particular?
Improper battery disposal, including lithium-ion batteries, poses a significant environmental threat. Batteries contain complex chemical compositions that can harm the environment if not handled correctly. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, contain toxic elements like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. When disposed of improperly in landfills or incinerated, these chemicals can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Inadequate disposal can also lead to contamination in soil and groundwater, causing health issues and resource depletion.
Lithium-ion batteries are prone to fires when damaged, releasing harmful chemicals. Incineration emits pollutants contributing to climate change. Battery chemicals in aquatic ecosystems disrupt aquatic life, and soil contamination alters ecosystems. Responsible battery disposal and recycling are vital to counter these threats. RecycleKaro plays a crucial role in safely handling batteries, recovering materials, and reducing the ecological footprint associated with disposal.
We understand that RecycleKaro has proposed a nickel extraction plant in Maharashtra. We understand that the plant will extract nickel from spent Li-ion batteries, etc. Tell us more.
RecycleKaro’s proposed nickel extraction plant in Maharashtra is a vital step for India’s lithium-ion industry. It aims to reduce the country’s heavy dependence on nickel imports, which currently satisfy its 45,000 tonnes per annum demand. Spanning 17 acres, the innovative facility will produce nickel metal from scrap lithium-ion batteries and nickel hydroxide, utilizing cutting-edge technology. This unique process, developed in-house, ensures higher-purity nickel metal compounds. The plant anticipates an annual production capacity of 1,200 tonnes, with 30 per cent allocated for fiscal year 2023-24. This initiative aligns with the global electric vehicle trend, projecting a 60 per cent increase in nickel demand by 2040.
RecycleKaro’s proposed nickel extraction plant in Maharashtra is a vital step for India’s lithium-ion industry.
What is the current status of the nickel plant and when do you expect to start commercial production?
RecycleKaro’s nickel extraction plant is making diligent progress, with active procurement and machinery acquisition underway. This commitment ensures timely realization, with the first production phase set for Q1 2024. This journey aligns with India’s goal of self-sufficiency in nickel production, crucial in the growing lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle markets. RecycleKaro’s proactive approach highlights its dedication to meeting India’s nickel needs and enhancing its global lithium-ion value chain position. Q1 of 2024 promises to be a significant milestone in achieving these strategic goals and reducing India’s reliance on nickel imports.
In a general sense, we appreciate that RecycleKaro, through scientific recycling, generates precious and rare metals. Please discuss how this helps in shoring up India’s availability of such metals.
RecycleKaro plays a vital role in addressing India’s resource challenges through scientific recycling, focusing on precious and rare metals like gold, silver, palladium, and rare earth elements (REEs). India faces scarcity in these metals, traditionally obtained through resource-intensive and ecologically harmful mining. Scientific recycling recovers these metals from discarded electronic devices, reducing the need for costly imports and promoting economic stability. Additionally, it curbs e-waste hazards and environmental degradation. India’s investment in advanced recycling technologies can propel it as a global hub for recycling innovations, while the energy-efficient process aligns with carbon reduction goals, fostering employment and economic growth. RecycleKaro’s efforts enhance resource security and sustainability in precious and rare metals.
Given the imminent growth in India’s EV industry, how do you see the years ahead for the upcoming nickel extraction plant?
RecycleKaro’s upcoming nickel extraction plant is closely tied to India’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. Its success relies on the demand for nickel, a crucial EV battery component. If India’s EV sector continues growing, the plant will benefit from sustained nickel demand. Global nickel market dynamics, pricing, and availability can impact operations, requiring monitoring. Technological advancements in extraction can boost efficiency and cost-effectiveness, necessitating industry trend awareness. Adhering to stringent environmental regulations is crucial for successful operation. Government policies, such as EV incentives, can stimulate nickel demand. Competing with other extraction plants domestically and globally necessitates thorough market assessment. Integration into the EV supply chain, especially batteries, ensures a stable market for nickel production.
RecycleKaro plays a vital role in addressing India’s resource challenges through scientific recycling.
Please discuss in brief how scientific recycling can ultimately contribute to India’s “Net Zero” ambition.
Scientific recycling is a crucial ally in India’s path to achieving “Net Zero” emissions. It reduces landfill waste, cutting methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling consumes less energy, aligning with India’s climate goals. By extracting valuable materials from discarded items, it conserves resources and reduces emissions linked to resource extraction. This fosters a circular economy, minimizing waste, lowering emissions, and promoting sustainable consumption. Effective recycling also raises environmental awareness, encouraging emissions-reducing behaviours. Investment in recycling tech and research drives innovation for even greener processes.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs hold manufacturers accountable for end-of-life product management, spurring eco-friendly design and reducing waste-related emissions. Scientific recycling is integral to India’s sustainable, carbon-neutral future, curbing emissions, conserving resources, and promoting environmental responsibility.
