A gas leak at BatX Energies’ battery recycling plant in Sikandrabad, Ghaziabad, on January 21 claimed two lives and left another worker critically injured, highlighting serious safety lapses in India’s rapidly expanding battery recycling industry. In response, industry leaders are urging immediate reforms, including stricter safety regulations, mandatory audits, and stronger enforcement to prevent such tragedies.
As India pushes forward with its clean energy ambitions, the battery recycling sector is experiencing rapid growth, with lithium-ion battery recycling expected to reach a market size of $1 billion by 2025. However, experts warn that without robust safety measures, the industry could pose significant risks to both workers and the environment.
The Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) has emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive safety regulations to bridge the gap between policy and implementation.
The industry body has called for stringent safety protocols, standardized certification processes, secure transportation and storage of used batteries, and the adoption of global best practices to ensure worker safety and environmental sustainability.
“We at MRAI always emphasise responsible recycling. Safety and environmental sustainability are equally important to us. We call on the industry to align best practices with academia and the government to ensure recycling is done safely and sustainably. We hope that any safety incidents in the sector will raise awareness among companies to strictly follow safety and environmental standards,” Pramod Shinde, Head of Communication, MRAI, said.
With the increasing adoption of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, concerns over inadequate safety measures are mounting. Industry leaders are calling for mandatory safety standards across the entire battery life cycle, with a particular focus on the end-of-life stage.
The sector’s safety challenges are further exacerbated by the absence of clear regulatory guidelines. Without stringent oversight, the storage, transportation, and handling of used batteries remain largely unregulated, especially in the informal sector, where battery fires and other hazardous incidents often go unreported.
“Safety is an integral part of the battery industry. Lithium-ion batteries can explode and pose a fire hazard, but there are no clear guidelines from CPCB on how to safely store and transport them. Stronger safety standards for storage, transportation, and permitting requirements are needed to address this issue,” Gaurav Dolwani, CEO and Founder of LICO, said.
Industry stakeholders are also pushing for stricter workplace safety norms to ensure that employees handling hazardous materials are protected. Many argue that safety should not be viewed merely as a compliance requirement but as a fundamental commitment to worker welfare.
“We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with those affected by this incident at one of our responsible industry participants. Such incidents can happen to anyone and are a cause of worry for every corporate board. But it is a grim reminder that safety must always come first, especially in industries dealing with hazardous materials. State authorities must audit to curb unorganized treatment of waste by unsafe establishments and put in place Standard Operating Procedures urgently needed for battery shredding operations. It is our collective responsibility to build a safer, more secure industry for all,” Bhuwan Purohit, Whole-Time Director, Rubamin, said.
The battery recycling industry plays a crucial role in reducing electronic waste and supporting a circular economy. However, industry leaders stress that the growth of this sector must be accompanied by the highest safety standards to protect workers and the environment.
As India aims to position itself as a leader in battery recycling, ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance will be critical. Industry stakeholders are now urging policymakers to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote responsible recycling practices to prevent future tragedies.