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Batteries not included

Batteries are an essential part of our modern lifestyle, powering must-have items like cell phones, digital cameras and all the kid’s gadgets that come with batteries not included. The batteries most commonly used at home may contain toxic chemicals such as mercury and cadmium. Even rechargeable batteries can contain toxic chemicals; therefore, proper disposal is essential to help protect your family and the environment.

Before you throw old batteries in the trash, consider recycling them as a safer alternative. Batteries, including rechargeable ones, should not be discarded in the trash because they will end up in a landfill or an incinerator and will eventually release harmful chemicals into the environment. Instead take old batteries in a plastic bag to your nearest household hazardous waste collection center or retailer that accepts old household batteries.

When it’s time to buy fresh batteries, purchase ones best suited to meet the specific use of your equipment and buy only as many as you need. Although rechargeable batteries can work well, save money and reduce environmental pollution over standard batteries, they have some limitations. Some things to consider:

• Rechargeable batteries are not designed for extended periods of intermittent or non-use like regular alkaline batteries and require recharge every 30 days or so to keep them up to a full charge.
• A rechargeable battery cycle doesn't last as long as a non-rechargeable battery, losing up to 3 percent per day of charge, depending upon temperature.
• Rechargeables don't work well in cold weather.
• Rechargeable batteries are typically slightly less in voltage that standard batteries (1.2 v), which may be a factor to consider for use in sensitive instruments or equipment. In this case purchase the highest rating available of 3000 milliamp hours or 3000 mAh.

Rechargeable batteries are made of metals that can charge, store and release electricity. Some metals do this better than others. When shopping for rechargeable batteries, you'll probably see these types:

1. Ni-MH: (Nickel Metal Hydride): Purchase these for smaller devices like handheld CD and MP3 players, toys and cameras. Ni-MH batteries give you the best value and are eco-friendly. You can recharge these 500 to1000 times.
   
   
2. Li-Ion: (Lithium-Ion): This is the best performing rechargeable battery type, but it is very expensive. They are best for equipment requiring constant use or frequent recharges, like laptop computers and cellphones. You can recharge these 500 to 1000 times.
   
   
3. Ni-Cad (Nickel-Cadmium) or Rechargeable Alkaline: These are still popular, but have many drawbacks including poor capacity, a recharge "memory" and hazardous materials. You can recharge these 50 to 500 times.

Battery Recycling and Product Stewardship

To find your nearest battery recycling location visit Earth 911.