Make Your Summer Easier and Cheaper with Rechargeable Batteries
June 26, 2009 by Steph
With the official start of the summer just past, many are looking to simplify their lives and their spending. One easy way to do both is to buy rechargeable batteries.
Vacations and warmer weather can increase the amount of time various battery operated devices, such as video games, cameras, and electric shavers, are used. Rather than blowing through batteries, which are expensive and can leak their toxic contents (including lead, cadmium, and acid) if not disposed properly, check out rechargeable batteries. Since experts report that 180,000 tons – more than 15 billion batteries – are discarded in American annually, this small change can make a big difference.
You’ll also save yourself those last minute trips to the store to pick up more batteries!
Last but not least, the money you save will add up nicely. Since rechargeable batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times, the savings can be substantial. Grinning Planet ran a cost breakdown and estimated that buying a charger and eight AA batteries would lead to a cost savings of more than $600.00 during the life of the batteries. If you already have a charger tucked away into a kitchen drawer, you’ve already born the largest expense.
When possible, pick lithium-ion or NiMH or nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries over NiCd or nickel-cadmium, rechargeable batteries, as the latter contain more toxic metals.
When disposing of any battery, be sure to utilize your local Household Hazardous Waste facility. In fact, the City of Austin received a Recycling Leadership Award in 2007 from the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. Batteries Plus at 7915 Burnet Road in Austin also accepts used batteries for recycling.
If you live outside of the Austin area, visit Battery Solutions or Earth 911 to find a battery recycling site near you. Battery Solutions also offers iRecycle Kits.Their description says:
Each iRecycle Kit includes everything you need to recycle your batteries and handheld electronics. You simply collect all dry-cell battery types and hand-held electronics together—without separating—and mail them to us. We do the sorting, logistics, shipping, receiving, and recycling.
Sounds like a easy solution to me. I’m definitely looking for easy this summer.
Enjoy saving money and the planet this summer with rechargeable batteries!
The bulk of this article was originally posted on the AustinEcoNetwork. If you live in the Austin area, or want to learn about eco-happenings in Austin, be sure to visit the site.
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Anyone in the U.S. or Canada can search rechargeable battery recycling drop off locations through Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s web site, http://www.call2recycle.org. It will list convenient neighborhood national stores like Best Buy, RadioShack, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sears, Staples, or Office Depot – in addition to local household hazardous waste facilities.
Cool post, just subscribed.
Theresa, thanks much for the information!
Radio Shack will take care of battery disposal for you. No charge. Just drop them off.
this is from their website:
http://www.radioshack.com/uc/index.jsp?page=researchLibraryArticle&articleUrl=..%2Fgraphics%2Fuc%2Frsk%2FResearchLibrary%2FBuyersGuides%2Fresearch%2FBatteries06.html
RadioShack is part of a national program called Charge Up to Recycle, allowing customers to drop off used rechargeable batteries at any of our over 7,200 stores nationwide. Click here to find the store nearest you. It’s an easy way to protect our environment and conserve Earth’s natural resources. By recycling the batteries from your cordless or wireless phone, laptop, camcorder or power tools, materials can be reclaimed to make stainless steel products and new batteries.
Alan, thanks for the info!