25 Jul Choose Rechargeable Batteries

At some point we all need to purchase batteries for our household electronics, power tools, toys and games, digital cameras, etc. (the list could go on and on). So this is when we have a decision to make: buy single-use batteries or rechargeables.

Rechargeable batteries come in sizes AA, AAA, C, D and 9V. These rechargeable batteries offer many advantages and are intended for everyday use just like the throwaway alkaline batteries everyone uses.

All about rechargeables:

• Unlike single-use batteries, which must be replaced once their charge is used up, rechargeable batteries are designed for the long haul. Recharging the battery simply reverses the chemical reaction inside it. This changes the battery’s components nearly back to their original state and allows them to be reused. Wow! A quality rechargeable battery may last more than 100 uses.
• If we were to use product price as a gauge of the product pollution cost (pollution from manufacturing), rechargeable batteries cost and therefore produce 4 times the pollution of disposable batteries. The fact that a rechargeable battery can be used hundreds of times means that when they are used, they reduce manufacturing pollution by a factor of  25 (rechargeable batteries cost 4 times more but are used at least 100 times less = 100/4= 25).
• Newer rechargeable batteries can easily provide 30% to 50% more energy than regular alkaline disposable batteries.
• Rechargeables are easier for the public to recycle. For more information go to the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America—Call2Recycle http://www.call2recycle.org/home.php?c=1&w=1&r=Y)
• Rechargeable batteries may initially be more expensive than single-use batteries; however, the upfront costs are often outweighed by the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.
• Rechargeable batteries like NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries have proven that they can deliver greater performance in our ever demanding digital devices.

Let’s examine the savings a little closer:

• As an example, you can easily find quality AA rechargeable batteries (2 pk) that come with a charger for $15-$20. If we recharge these batteries a minimum of 100 times, that means that these rechargeable batteries cost less than 5 cents per use.  Who doesn't like to get more bang for their buck?!
• Electricity costs are minimal considering top AA rechargeable batteries deliver 3.5 Watt hours and electricity costs 6 to 10 cents per 1000 Watts per hour.

Please note that rechargeable batteries aren’t necessary for low-cost products that don’t use much power. For example, remote controls can sometimes last for years on a single-use battery, so it doesn’t make sense to purchase more expensive rechargeable batteries for such a low maintenance device. Also, it’s also always recommended to use single-use batteries in your smoke detectors, as rechargeables can drain much more quickly and require you to change them more often or increase the chances that the battery will be dead when you need it most.

Have several regular, single-use batteries lying around at home? Don’t forget that they are still recyclable. Austin and Travis County residents can bring single-use alkaline and other types of batteries to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 2514 Business Center Drive. Visit http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/residential_hazardous_waste.htm#disposing

Other retailers, such as Batteries Plus, accept all types of batteries for recycling. Radio Shack stores accept rechargeable batteries as well as cell phone batteries.

Reflecting on some of the benefits of using rechargeables batteries leaves only one question: Why are you not using rechargeable batteries?