There are about 15 billion batteries manufactured each year. Most are alkalines, discarded after a single duty cycle.

Maybe you've tried rechargeable batteries in the past, and were unimpressed by their duty life or high cost. But -- like Compact Fluorescent Bulbs -- rechargeables have come a long way in the past few years. The current generation of lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries compare well to conventional alkaline cells in terms of performance, and can be charged hundreds of times before replacement.

If you're using more than a dozen or so disposables each year, you can save money and reduce landfill waste by making the switch to rechargeable batteries (remember -- all batteries should be disposed or recycled properly). They're more expensive at the register: A pack of 4 AA cells goes for about $10, and you'll need a smart charger appropriate to your battery type and size. But at about 10 cents per use, they're a green living no-brainer. Charge up!

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J! Reactions 1.09.00 • Professional Site License
Copyright © 2006 S. A. DeCaro

Readers have left 6 comments.

 1. Lithium ion batterys eco friendly
David, Guest

Lithium Ion batteries are NOT ECO FRIENDLY. Thay and much more difficult to dispose of. This is a sham

 Posted 2007-10-22 11:08:07

 2. Dispose of batteries properly
Chris Baskind, Super Administrator

> Thay and much more difficult to dispose of. This is a sham

ANY battery should be disposed as hazardous waste or recycled. And rechargeable batteries are more "eco-friendly" in that they can be used many times, which saves resources and energy.

My general rule is to be suspicious of most things which end with "-ium." But, in lithium-ion's defense, these batteries don't contain cadmium, lead, or mercury, which amounts to a tremendous improvement over older battery types.

 Posted 2007-10-22 11:28:12

 3. Switching to rechargeable batteries
Guest, Guest

is probably the single greatest thing we can do for the environment and our pockets.
You save the planet from some of the worst pollutants and save hundreds of dollars a year.
You'll also be happy not to be contributing to the waste of the 1 million tons of batteries thrown away every year in the US.

 Posted 2007-10-22 13:43:04

 4. Recharge your
Guest, Guest

I use a Battery Xtender to safely and effectively recharge my regular off the shelf alkaline batteries. I don't use expensive rechargeable batteries that much. When I do, I can recharge them in the Battery Xtender along with my regular alkaline batteries.
This product has saved me lots of money and at the same time I dispose of my spent 1.5V alkaline batteries a great deal less. Great environment helper. I found this endorsed product in Parenting magazine as a must have for kids with toys.

 Posted 2007-10-22 15:02:16

 5. Great tip!
JP, Guest

What a great tip, with all the attention CFLs get there isn't nearly enough emphasis put on the savings rechargeable batteries can get you in terms of money and also waste reduction. I've posted a link to this at my site GreenDeals Daily (http://GreenDealsDaily.com)

 Posted 2007-10-22 18:03:12

 6. Batteries that recharge in water
Brave New Leaf, Guest

Great advice. I've also read recently about some Japanese batteries called Nopopo that recharge just by submersing them in liquid. They only recharge 10 times or so, but that is obviously more efficient than getting juice from the wall.

 Posted 2007-11-08 20:40:41