We recently had discussion here at the office about how to properly recycle batteries. In order to reduce the number of batteries that end up in the landfill and require recycling, it is important to understand how to purchase and properly care for your batteries. Proper care will extend the life of batteries and reduce the amount of money spent purchasing batteries.
*What kinds of batteries are there? There are two general types of batteries now used in most consumer electronics. Alkaline batteries are considered single use batteries. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiM
H) batteries are rechargeable. Rayovac states that their NiMH batteries can be charged up to 500 times and last three times longer on one charge than their alkaline batteries in digital cameras. That is quite a bit of money to be saved. An 8 pack of alkaline batteries cost roughly 8.95 and a 4 pack of NiMH batteries cost 8.29. You could save up to $557 on one battery.
There is a new type of rechargeable battery called the Hybrid Nickle Metal Hydride which is able to hold a charge of up to six months, unlike regular NiMH that self discharge within a month or so. Rayovac again states that these batteries equal 1,500 alkaline batteries. The Eneloop battery by Sanyo is another type of hybrid battery. With Eneloop, you purchase a kit that allows you to use the AA or AAA batteries to form a C or D cell battery. This is a great way to eliminate having to buy multiple sizes of battery.
If you would like more information on types of batteries, how a battery is made and how a battery works, check the following websites: Rayovac, Duracell, and Energizer. Rayovac and Energizer have great learning centers.
*Buy the right battery. Greenbatteries.com states that “for most high drain electronic devices, like digital cameras, rechargeable batteries will continue to work much longer than alkaline batteries. In fact, in devices like digital cameras, NiMH batteries will run on a single charge for 3-4 times as long as they would on an alkaline battery.” Rechargeable batteries come in different capacities such as 2700 mAh or 1700mAh, so be sure to purchase the highest capacity available. Additionally, all batteries are not created equal. For a review and rating of the current batteries on the market, check Consumerreports.org.
*Be smart about your battery consumption. Ensure you turn off your equipment when not in use to eliminate unnecessarily draining your battery. Use a battery charger that is specifically designed for the type of battery you are using. For example, you should use a smart fast charger for a battery described as quick charge. Greenbatteries.com states that over charging a battery will reduce the life of the battery.
*Recycle your batteries. Rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals, which if not properly disposed of can become an environmental hazard. To find a recycling center near you, visit Earth911.org. Earth911.org also has an excellent Rechargeable Batteries 101 help section. There are several locations throughout the Hampton Roads area that will take rechargeable and alkaline batteries.
Recycle your batteries and avoid sending this mess to the landfill.
There is a great program called Call2Recycle that offers a free service which will send you a pre-paid shipping box to collect your rechargeable batteries and cell phones. They do not take alkaline batteries. So far this year they have recycled 1,972,776 batteries.
Duracell states “Alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of with normal household waste. Never dispose of batteries in fire because they could explode. Due to concerns about mercury in the municipal solid waste stream, we have voluntarily eliminated all of the added mercury from our alkaline batteries since 1993, while maintaining the performance you demand. Our alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals—steel, zinc, and manganese—and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal.”
