Implemented in 2008, this act mandates the recycling of end-of-life vehicles and electronic products, including car batteries. It enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), holding manufacturers accountable for the collection and recycling of their products. This has led to the establishment of efficient recycling systems and incentivized the development of advanced disposal technologies.

The Waste Management Act prioritizes waste reduction, resource recovery, and environmentally safe disposal. It sets strict guidelines for the handling, transportation, and treatment of hazardous waste, including car batteries. The act encourages the adoption of technologies that minimize environmental impact and enhance material recovery.

One of the primary methods for recycling lead-acid batteries involves pyrometallurgical processes. These processes use high-temperature furnaces to extract lead and other valuable materials from the batteries. The extracted lead can be refined and used in new batteries, while sulfuric acid is neutralized and safely disposed of or repurposed.

For lithium-ion batteries, hydrometallurgical processes are commonly employed. These involve the use of aqueous solutions to leach metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from the batteries. The metals are then recovered through precipitation, electrolysis, or solvent extraction. This method is particularly advantageous due to its lower energy consumption and reduced emissions compared to pyrometallurgical processes.