As the world races toward electric mobility and sustainable tech adoption, the need for efficient, large-scale recycling of e-waste and lithium-ion batteries has never been more urgent. Attero, India’s largest cleantech recycling company, is leading this charge with its cutting-edge, in-house technologies and global expansion strategy. With over 46 patents and operations that recover 98% of valuable materials from e-waste and spent batteries, Attero is not just recycling—it’s redefining resource recovery. From its carbon-neutral facility in Roorkee to its upcoming $1 billion international expansion, the company is championing a circular economy model critical for India’s energy independence and environmental goals.
In this exclusive interaction, Rashmi interviews Nitin Gupta, CEO and Co-founder, Attero, who shares insights on the company’s patented black mass processing capabilities, the challenges in India’s recycling ecosystem, and the policy, technological, and financial levers needed to scale sustainable e-waste solutions both locally and globally.
1. Tell us about Attero and its operations in the e-waste and lithium battery recycling sectors.
At Attero, our mission is to revolutionize how the world approaches e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling. As India’s largest and most advanced end-to-end cleantech recycling company, we have developed proprietary, in-house technologies with 46+ global patents that enable us to extract over 98% of valuable materials from e-waste and spent lithium-ion batteries. Our processes yield 99.9% pure recycled metals, including critical elements like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, essential for the burgeoning electric vehicle and electronics industries. Since our inception in 2008, we have been committed to sustainable practices, operating our Roorkee facility entirely on renewable hydroelectric power with an annual capacity of 144,000 metric tonnes of e-waste and 15,000 metric tonnes of lithium-ion batteries. This not only makes us the only carbon-neutral recycler in India but also underscores our dedication to minimizing environmental impact while maximizing resource recovery.
2. How does Attero’s EV battery recycling process work—from collection to final recovery?
Our EV battery recycling process is a comprehensive, closed-loop system designed to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. It begins with the safe collection and transportation of end-of-life batteries to our facility. Once received, the batteries are carefully dismantled and shredded to produce black mass, which contains a rich mix of critical metals. Unlike many others who export this black mass, we process it in-house using our patented hydrometallurgical techniques. This allows us to recover high-purity battery-grade materials such as lithium carbonate, cobalt, nickel, and graphite. Our process not only achieves exceptional recovery rates but also operates with zero waste discharge, as all by-products are either repurposed or safely treated, aligning with our commitment to environmental stewardship.
3. What are the biggest operational hurdles in achieving world-class recycling efficiency for lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste in India?
Achieving world-class recycling efficiency in India comes with its set of challenges. One significant hurdle is the lack of a robust and organized collection infrastructure, which makes it difficult to gather sufficient volumes of e-waste and spent batteries for processing. Additionally, there is a need for greater public awareness and participation in recycling programs. On the technological front, many existing recycling methods are either environmentally harmful or economically unviable. At Attero, we have addressed these issues by developing our own cost-effective and environmentally friendly recycling technologies, which have been recognized globally. However, scaling these solutions requires supportive policies, investments in infrastructure, and collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and the government to create an ecosystem conducive to sustainable recycling practices.
4. Attero is the only company in India currently processing black mass at scale. What does this involve, and why is it a critical capability for the country?
Processing black mass at scale is a complex and technologically intensive endeavor. Black mass, the result of shredding spent lithium-ion batteries, contains a mixture of valuable metals that require sophisticated techniques to separate and purify. At Attero, we have developed proprietary processes that allow us to efficiently extract these metals with high purity, without the need to export the material for processing abroad. This capability is crucial for India as it reduces dependency on foreign sources for critical battery materials, supports the domestic manufacturing of batteries, and aligns with the nation’s goals of self-reliance and sustainable development. By keeping the entire recycling process within the country, we not only retain economic value but also contribute to building a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy.
5. With growing global demand for critical materials, how is Attero planning to scale its operations internationally?
Recognizing the escalating global demand for critical battery materials, Attero has embarked on an ambitious international expansion plan. We are investing $1 billion to establish state-of-the-art recycling facilities in strategic locations, including Europe and the United States. These facilities will leverage our patented recycling technologies to process significant volumes of e-waste and spent batteries, aiming to recycle over 300,000 metric tonnes annually by 2027. This expansion not only positions Attero as a global leader in sustainable recycling but also contributes to the global supply chain of essential battery materials, supporting the worldwide transition to electric mobility and renewable energy solutions.
6. How can take-back and reverse logistics programs be designed to maximize consumer participation across metros and smaller towns?
To maximize consumer participation in take-back and reverse logistics programs, it is essential to create systems that are both accessible and user-friendly. In metropolitan areas, leveraging digital platforms and partnerships with retailers can facilitate convenient drop-off points and incentivize recycling through reward programs. For smaller towns and rural regions, establishing local collection centers and conducting awareness campaigns can educate communities about the importance of recycling and how to participate. At Attero, we have launched initiatives like Selsmart, a direct-to-consumer platform that simplifies the process of returning e-waste, ensuring that consumers from all regions can contribute to a sustainable future. By combining technology, education, and infrastructure, we aim to build an inclusive recycling ecosystem that empowers every individual to play a role in environmental conservation.
7. How India can become self-reliant in critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earths with recycling?
In a country like India, where millions of smartphones, laptops, and appliances are disposed of annually, recycling offers a significant secondary source for critical materials. By tapping into this stream, India can reduce its reliance on imports from geopolitically sensitive regions and mitigate the environmental toll of traditional mining. Attero’s model demonstrates how scalable and efficient recovery from urban waste can help build a sustainable, indigenous supply chain for battery manufacturing.
8. Which emerging recycling technologies hold the greatest promise for boosting recovery rates—and what’s standing in the way of their adoption?
Technologies like hydrometallurgy and biometallurgy show the most promise for higher recovery rates with lower environmental impact. Hydrometallurgy, in particular, enables selective extraction of materials using chemical solutions at lower energy inputs. However, adoption is limited because of the high capital costs, regulatory bottlenecks, a shortage of skilled labor, and limited policy support for R&D. Scaling these technologies also requires standardized waste streams and reliable feedstock.
9. How should policy and incentive frameworks evolve to support end to end e- waste asset management, from collection to material refining?
India’s policies must shift from volume-based targets to quality-focused outcomes. Strengthening EPR norms and ensuring traceability of e-waste through digital platforms can improve compliance. Incentives like tax benefits, subsidies for setting up recycling plants, and funding support for startups in the circular economy space can catalyze innovation. Mandating domestic recycling for imported electronics and aligning state-level rules with national goals will ensure coherence. Building capacity among informal recyclers through training and integration can also help formalize and expand the ecosystem.
10. What role do carbon credits, ESG mandates, or other sustainability incentives play in making large scale e waste recycling financially viable?
Carbon credits, ESG-linked investments, and green finance instruments play a growing role in improving the financial viability of recycling. Recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to raw material extraction, qualifying companies for carbon credit markets. ESG mandates from investors and regulators are pushing companies to adopt cleaner practices and access to sustainability-linked loans or green bonds can offset capital expenses. These financial levers not only improve profitability but also align recycling businesses with global climate and sustainability goals, making them more attractive to institutional investors.