The project is designed to respond to the requirements of the Stockholm Convention and reduce the risks of UP-POPs and BFRs on human health and the environment by demonstrating the phase-out of UP-POPs in the sector of the secondary aluminum and zinc sectors, and implementing of a life cycle management in lead and lithium battery recycling. The project also aims to ensure the implementation of Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices (BAT/BEP) in demonstration enterprises. The project will complement and enhance implementation of China’s National Strategy and Action plan for the implementation of the Stockholm Convention. Specifically, it seeks to:

Strengthen the national policy and regulatory framework to reduce UP-POPs and BFRs releases from secondary non-ferrous metal industry, including guidance for the reduction of UP-POPs and BFRs releases resulting from unsound metal scrap and batteries recycling management practices;

Reduce UP-POPs and BFRs releases from unsound metal scrap and batteries recycling, through improvement of the supply chains as well as the introduction of environmentally sound disposal practices at recycling entities, including development of appropriate collection schemes, diversion of recyclable toward appropriate disposals procedures;

Demonstrate BAT/BEP and life cycle management in the collection and conditioning of waste batteries (one in lead acid batteries and one in lithium ion batteries), and in the secondary production of metals (one in aluminum and one in zinc);

Implement a National Replication Programme (NRP) including promotional events, technical training, awareness raising.

These outputs can be used to inform national sectoral planning, and upscale action nationwide in support of China’s National Strategy and Action plan for the Implementation of the Stockholm Convention.

This proposed GEF Project will contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2021-2025): Outcome 3: People in China and the region benefit from a healthier and more resilient environment as well as the UNDP Country Programme Document for China (2021-2025), Pillar 2 (A healthier planet and resilient environment, Output 2.1: Adaptive policies developed at target level (subnational), financed and applied for nature-based systems to align with multilateral agreements and transboundary platforms.