Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Learn about EPR and how producers can take responsibility for the lifecycle of their batteries

What is Extended Producer Responsibility?

Driving Responsible Battery Recycling in Nigeria
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program ensures that all companies that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, or use batteries share responsibility for their safe collection and recycling at end-of-life. This approach protects public health, prevents environmental pollution, and supports a sustainable battery value chain.

All battery manufacturers, regardless of where they operate must support the full lifecycle management of batteries. Through EPR, every stakeholder plays a role in minimizing environmental impact and protecting communities.

Why EPR in the Battery Sector

With the rapid growth in automotive, power generation, and renewable energy sectors, Nigeria generates large volumes of used lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Improper handling and informal recycling expose communities to hazardous substances such as lead and battery acids.

EPR provides a coordinated national framework to:

  • 1.Remove used batteries from general waste streams
  • 2.Promote environmentally sound recycling
  • 3.Ensure fair cost-sharing across the battery value chain
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All Companies that Sell New or Used Batteries in Nigeria Must Contribute to the Cost of mitigating the hazards of collection and recycling activities.

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Who Must Participate

  • Battery Producers & Manufacturers
  • Importers & Distributors
  • Retailers & Wholesalers
  • Collection & Recycling Operators
  • Renewable Energy Companies

ARBR's Role

  • Implements national battery take-back schemes.
  • Coordinates used battery collection and recycling programmes.
  • Supports compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Promote circular economy principles
  • Builds capacity across the recycling value chain.
  • Work with regulators, industry, and development partners to strengthen battery management in Nigeria.

How EPR Works

A step-by-step process ensuring responsible battery management across the value chain

1

Producer Registration

Battery producers and importers register with ARBR, declaring their products and market volumes. This ensures accountability and tracking of all batteries entering the market.

2

Collection Network

Producers support or finance battery collection infrastructure. Certified collectors gather used batteries from consumers, businesses, and retailers across Nigeria.

3

Compliance Monitoring

ARBR monitors collection rates and ensures all players meet environmental and safety standards. Regular audits and inspections maintain system integrity.

4

Recycling Processing

Licensed recyclers safely process batteries, extracting valuable materials while handling hazardous substances responsibly according to international standards.

5

Material Recovery

Recovered materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other metals are supplied to manufacturers and renewable energy operators for new applications.

6

Reporting & Transparency

All stakeholders report collection, recycling, and recovery rates to ARBR. Public transparency reports ensure accountability and progress tracking.

Why EPR Matters

Environmental Protection

Prevents toxic battery materials from contaminating landfills and water sources

Resource Conservation

Reduces mining demand by recovering valuable materials for reuse

Economic Incentives

Creates sustainable business models and job opportunities in recycling

Legal Compliance

Aligns Nigeria with international environmental and sustainability standards