TDB & Remine India to Build E-Waste Plant

The Technology Development Board (TDB) has forged a crucial partnership with startup Remine India to address the pressing issue of e-waste in India. The collaborative effort aims to establish a state-of-the-art commercial plant for recycling lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste (e-waste) in Uttarakhand. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, this initiative receives substantial financial backing, with TDB allocating Rs 75 million towards the Rs 150 million project. Highlighting the significance of this endeavor, TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak emphasized India's position as the third-largest e-waste generator globally. He underscored the importance of transitioning informal recyclers into the formal sector, a move that aligns with the principles of a circular economy. The proposed recycling plant will be situated at Eldeco in the SIIDCUL Industrial Area of Sitarganj, located in the Udham Singh Nagar district. Leveraging indigenous technology developed by the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET), the facility aims for efficient and environmentally responsible recycling processes. The Ministry of Science further emphasized the surge in e-waste stemming from the widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries in electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems. Despite the considerable market potential for recycling lithium-ion batteries, a mere 5% undergo recycling, with the remaining 95% ending up in landfills, posing grave environmental concerns. The ministry expressed apprehension regarding the predominance of the informal sector in e-waste management, citing its adverse environmental and economic repercussions. This collaborative effort between TDB and Remine India signals a proactive approach to addressing these challenges and fostering sustainable solutions in the realm of technology and environmental conservation.