The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines is a significant step toward cleaner transportation. Under Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), the need for an organized battery recycling system is emphasized [1].

However, recycling these batteries comes with significant safety and health risks. As risk management experts, it is critical to understand the technical challenges of handling chemicals and voltages within facilities [3].

A safety expert conducting an inspection on an EV battery inside a modern facility. — Image created by AI

Identifying recycling risks

EV batteries are not ordinary batteries. They contain high voltages reaching 800V, which pose a risk of severe electric shock or arc flash [2]. Furthermore, thermal runaway is a serious threat.

When a battery is damaged or short-circuited, it can release toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride. These chemicals are dangerous not only to workers but also to the surrounding community [2]. The leakage of heavy metals like cobalt and nickel into the soil can also contaminate our groundwater.

Facility risk assessment

Every facility that repairs or recycles batteries must implement a strict risk assessment framework. The first step is hazard identification (HAZID) to assess the state of health (SoH) of the battery before it is even opened.

Using failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) helps identify potential failure points during mechanical cutting. Through this, the probability of explosion or chemical leakage within the plant can be measured [3]. You may also read about the cost-benefit analysis of electric vehicle battery recycling in the Philippines for a broader context.

Operational safety management

Voltage reduction or deep discharge is a mandatory step before any mechanical processing. Lowering the voltage to 0V reduces the risk of accidental electrical discharge. Using diagnostic tools that follow DENR-EMB approved methods is essential for every operation [2].

Workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves with high voltage ratings and respirators equipped with filters for hydrogen fluoride. Working in an inert gas atmosphere, such as using nitrogen, also helps prevent fires [3].

Fire suppression technology

Fires from lithium-ion batteries are difficult to extinguish with standard water. Specialized fire suppression systems such as class D fire extinguishers or F-500 encapsulating agents are required. Preparing immersion tanks is also an effective method for thermal containment in the event of thermal runaway [3].

Industry challenges in the Philippines

There is currently a lack of facilities in the country dedicated to lithium-ion battery recycling. Most existing TSD (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal) facilities focus only on lead-acid batteries. The International Energy Agency suggests a faster adoption of innovative technologies to address the growing number of end-of-life (EOL) batteries [3].

Training workers through TESDA is essential for the safe handling of high-voltage components. Furthermore, the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) will provide incentives for companies to reclaim their old batteries [1]. You may also review investing in electric vehicle battery recycling infrastructure: opportunities and challenges for more information.

Conclusion

Recycling EV batteries is a technical and hazardous process that requires strict adherence to standards. Through proper risk assessment, adequate PPE, and modern facilities, this industry can be made safe and beneficial for the Philippines. Collaboration between the government and the private sector is the key to the success of the circular economy in the country.

More Information

  1. EVIDA (Republic Act No. 11697): The national law in the Philippines that sets the framework for the development, promotion, and regulation of the electric vehicle industry, including the management of its batteries [1].
  2. Hazardous waste: Materials classified by the DENR-EMB as harmful to health and the environment, such as the chemicals inside EV batteries that require special disposal [2].
  3. Thermal runaway: An uncontrolled reaction within a battery where heat rises rapidly, which can cause fire or explosion if not addressed immediately [3].
  4. Hydrometallurgy: A recycling process that uses chemical solutions to leach or extract valuable metals from used batteries [3].
  5. Pyrometallurgy: A recycling method using high-temperature smelting or melting to extract metals, which requires advanced gas scrubbers [3].