The electric vehicle industry in Indonesia is growing rapidly in line with the utilization of abundant nickel reserves. This growth demands serious attention toward the management of used batteries that have reached the end of their service life.

Risk management is a key pillar in maintaining the sustainability of the circular economy ecosystem. Without strict safety protocols, the recycling process can pose serious threats to workers and the surrounding environment.

Automation process in handling electric vehicle batteries at a modern recycling facility to minimize the risk of direct exposure. — Image created by AI

The Indonesian government has established a foundation through Presidential Regulation No. 55 of 2019 to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. This regulation includes the producer’s responsibility to manage battery waste safely and sustainably [1].

Identification of major hazards in battery recycling

The battery recycling process involves various stages with high-risk profiles. A deep understanding of these hazards is essential for every risk management expert in the field.

Thermal and fire risks

The most significant danger in battery recycling is the phenomenon of thermal runaway. This chain reaction can be triggered by mechanical damage during the dismantling process or internal short circuits in battery cells [2].

Fires resulting from lithium-ion batteries have extremely high heat intensity. Conventional extinguishing methods are often ineffective, requiring specialized fire protection systems capable of handling active chemical materials.

Exposure to hazardous chemicals

The mechanical shredding process produces black mass containing heavy metals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Inhalation of this dust without adequate ventilation systems can cause serious respiratory health issues for workers.

Furthermore, electrolyte leakage can release toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride. Air emission management must be strictly conducted to comply with environmental standards applicable in Indonesia [3].

Implementation of occupational safety management

Occupational health and safety (OHS) must be integrated into every operational workflow. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is a basic mitigation step that should not be overlooked.

  • Workers are required to wear high-voltage insulating gloves when handling battery modules.
  • Respirators with HEPA filters must be used to prevent exposure to heavy metal dust.
  • Flame-resistant clothing is required to minimize the impact in the event of a thermal incident.

In addition to PPE, a cost-benefit analysis of electric vehicle battery recycling in Indonesia shows that investment in automation technology can significantly reduce the risk of physical injury [4].

Regulations and environmental standards

The government, through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, continues to update standards for the management of hazardous and toxic waste (B3). Used batteries are categorized as hazardous waste that requires special handling from upstream to downstream.

Recycling facilities are required to have sophisticated wastewater treatment systems. The implementation of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) methods is becoming an industry standard to prevent heavy metal contamination of groundwater sources around industrial areas [5].

Future technologies in risk mitigation

Hydrometallurgy is currently the preferred method due to its high material recovery efficiency. However, this method requires very careful management of acidic chemicals to avoid environmental leakage.

The development of digital technology to track the lifecycle of electric vehicle components also helps in monitoring battery health conditions before they enter the recycling stage. Accurate data allows risk management teams to predict potential hazards earlier.

Collaboration between the industrial sector and regulators, as facilitated by the Ministry of Industry, is crucial. This synergy ensures that technological innovation remains aligned with national and international safety standards.

More Information

  1. Thermal runaway: A condition where the battery temperature rises uncontrollably due to internal chemical reactions, often causing intense fires that are difficult to extinguish.
  2. Black mass: A powder mixture resulting from battery shredding that is rich in valuable metals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium, but is toxic to humans.
  3. Hydrometallurgy: A process of extracting metals from batteries using liquid chemical solutions to separate and purify valuable materials with high efficiency.
  4. B3 Waste: Hazardous and Toxic Materials that require special handling according to government regulations to prevent negative impacts on health and the environment.
  5. Zero liquid discharge: A wastewater treatment system that ensures no hazardous liquid waste is discharged into the environment by recycling water back into the production process.