Use Rechargeable Batteries

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Quick Facts Affordability Cost Savings CO2 Reduction		Rechargeable batteries can offer economic and environmental benefits compared to disposable batteries. Most rechargeable battery types are available in the same sizes as disposable types. Affordability While rechargeable batteries have a higher up-front cost than disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries can be discharged and recharged many times, saving you the cost and hassle of constantly buying new disposable batteries. Cost savings A pack of four rechargeable batteries costs about $20, each battery can be charged 500 to a 1,000 times and a battery charger costs about $10 to $30. The cost to recharge the set works out to be just a couple of cents each time. Even factoring in the charger, a set of four AA batteries will cost around $50 for their serviceable life. Over the same time period, a comparable set of heavy-duty disposables with a discounted price of about $2 would cost $1,000 to $2,000. Health & comfort Shopping for and disposing of non-rechargeable batteries can be a hassle. Batteries (nonrechargeable and rechargeable) dumped in landfills cause pollution, which has been found to lead to serious physical and mental health problems. Environmental consideration Proper selection of a rechargeable battery system helps reduce toxic materials sent to landfill disposal, compared to disposable batteries.

What you need to know

It is helpful to know about the most common battery types available:

Alkaline battery – Disposable or dry-cell batteries are usually the alkaline type. They used to contain very high levels of mercury, but the amounts used have greatly decreased over several decades and some brands use none at all. Still, many do contain a small amount of mercury and, given the massive waste involved, should be avoided or, at the very least, recycled. Rechargeable alkaline batteries are also available, but these perform poorly and will cost you more in the long run and you'll create more waste.

Nickel Cadmium battery (NiCd) – NiCd batteries have longer life cycles and hold electrical charge longer. However, NiCDs are not generally considered “environmentally friendly” as they contain cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal.

Nickel-Metal Hydride battery (NiMH) – There are several reasons why NiMH may be the better choice than NiCD batteries. NiCd batteries contain cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal, whereas, according to the U.S. EPA, NiMH batteries are non-toxic. NiMHs are available with more total energy storage capacity than NiCds and can be charged more quickly than NiCds. Finally, NiMH are not plagued by the "memory" effect that reduces the life of NiCds when not fully drained before recharging.

Low Self Discharge NiMH (LSD) – LSDs are also known as “ready to use” NiMH batteries because they do not require you to charge them out of the package. LSDs are generally better for electronics that do not have a high drain factor (like a digital camera) or for devices that are not used very frequently. 

Lithium-ion battery – Lithium-ion batteries are newer, lesser developed types of rechargeable batteries used in many consumer electronics and have one of the best energy-to-mass ratios, no memory effect and a slow loss of charge when not in use. They are considered more environmentally friendly than even NiMH batteries in that they contain even less toxic materials. The popularity of Lithium-ion has spread as their technology continues to improve.

Tips to getting the most out of your rechargeable batteries

• Keep track of your rechargeables. Due to their often small size, batteries are easy to lose. If you misplace them and are forced to keep buying more, you will not gain the benefits of rechargeables. Keep them in a central, organized storage place, separating newer rechargeables from the older ones. An easy way to keep track of the age of the battery is to write the purchase date on the battery as you acquire them.
• Avoid using the batteries at high temperatures and store out of direct sunlight.
• Recharge regularly.
• Plug your chargers into a surge protector to not only protect the charger, but to reduce the chances of an electrical surge acting to confuse your charger during a charge cycle and thus not properly charging your battery.
• Avoid overcharging rechargeable batteries as this can damage them.
• Recycle your rechargeable batteries or dispose of them as hazardous waste when they are worn out.

Taking it further

• Use a solar charger to reduce your environmental impact even further.
• Consider using products that use renewable energy sources, such as sun, wind, water or even human power. Using renewable energy, such as B.C.’s abundant hydroelectric power, significantly cuts down CO₂ emissions that contribute to global warming.

FAQ

Can you use rechargeable batteries in all devices that typically use alkaline batteries?
Yes, you can substitute higher capacity NiMH rechargeables into most devices that use standard alkaline batteries. Ideally, rechargeable batteries should be substituted in high drain devices like digital cameras, MP3 players, portable electronics, etc. Since rechargeables tend to lose their charge more quickly when stored, alkaline batteries may be better suited for slow-drain devices such as nonrechargeable emergency flashlights or smoke detectors.

How long does it take to recharge batteries?
There are a variety of chargers that allow you to recharge at different rates: from value priced overnight chargers to high-speed chargers that charge batteries in half the time. The fastest time available is just under 60 minutes, while the average charger takes seven to 10 hours to fully charge a NiMH battery. The best way to manage your power needs is to have at least two sets of rechargeable batteries so you can have a spare set ready to use anytime. That way, you will never run out. Some manufacturers also offer in-car chargers so that you can recharge at home or on the road.

Can all types of rechargeable batteries be charged in the same battery charger?
A classic battery charger can handle either NiMH or NiCd batteries. A NiMH charger usually works with NiCad cells, but not vice versa. Most battery chargers are designed to work with AA or AAA batteries. Some higher-end models charge all sizes of batteries. NiMH and NiCad batteries can also be charged in solar battery chargers. Lithium-ion batteries, however, require different chargers that are also available in a solar model.

What can I do with exhausted rechargeable batteries?
Once your rechargeable batteries no longer keep their charge, you can take them to any of the following participating retailers: London Drugs, the Source by Circuit City, Radio Shack Canada, Staples Business Depots and Zellers. Call the RCBC Recycling Hotline or visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation to find a drop-off location in your community.