| Batteries are essential in today's world of all things | | | | battery charger. Oxyride batteries generally last |
| high-tech and portable. So what is the best way | | | | longer than alkaline batteries, but are also a bit |
| to use and dispose of batteries? | | | | more expensive. "High-drain" alkalines are available |
| Battery Usage | | | | at most grocery stores for devices that use a lot |
| Before inserting a battery into any electronic | | | | of battery power, like digital cameras. |
| device, use a cloth or pencil eraser to clean the | | | | The Bad. NiCAD, rechargeable alkaline, and lithium. |
| ends of the battery and the compartment. | | | | NiCAD batteries are considered obsolete and have |
| Next, make sure the batteries are placed properly | | | | now been replaced by non-toxic NiMH batteries, |
| into the compartment. The (+) and (-) terminals | | | | which last longer. rechargeable alkaline batteries |
| must be aligned properly. To extend battery life, | | | | cannot be recharged as many times as regular |
| always turn off electronic devices when they are | | | | rechargeable batteries, and they do not work well |
| not in use. | | | | in high-drain devices. Lithium batteries are |
| For rechargeable devices, such as laptops, cell | | | | marketed as the batteries of the gods because |
| phones, and digital cameras, cycle the battery to | | | | they last a long time, but they cannot be |
| ensure top performance. To do this, simply run | | | | recharged, and they contain toxic materials. |
| the battery until it is completely dead, fully | | | | The Rechargeable. Nickle-metal hydride (NiMH) |
| recharge it, and repeat. Do not keep a | | | | batteries have replaced NiCADs because they lost |
| rechargeable electronic device plugged in past the | | | | longer. rechargeable batteries are a good option |
| time needed to recharge. Doing so can shorten | | | | for devices that are used often, like remote |
| the battery's lifespan. | | | | controls. However, rechargeables can die after a |
| Battery Storage | | | | few months of extended use or non-use. |
| Store batteries in a cool, dry location. Batteries | | | | Therefore, rechargeables should never be used |
| should not be kept in warm places, as extreme | | | | for emergency items like flashlights or smoke |
| temperatures reduce their performance. Many | | | | alarms. |
| battery-operated items, such as laptops, need to | | | | Battery Disposal |
| have good airflow to keep them cool. Keeping a | | | | Most batteries should be disposed of at recycling |
| battery cool while it is in use lengthens its lifespan. | | | | centers. These batteries include AAs, AAAs, cell |
| If you only need to use a particular | | | | phone batteries, laptop batteries, etc. Recycling |
| battery-powered device once in a while, like when | | | | centers have the means of disposing these |
| you go camping, take the batteries out of the | | | | batteries in an manner that will not leak the toxic |
| device when it is not in use. | | | | chemicals into the environment. Other batteries to |
| Battery Types | | | | take a waste or recycle center include button |
| Household batteries can be broken down into | | | | batteries, lithium or lithium ion batteries, Ni-Cd, Ni-Li |
| three categories in terms of environmental | | | | Ni-hydride, sealed lead acid batteries, and silver |
| friendliness: the good, the bad, and the | | | | oxide batteries. Oxyride or alkaline batteries can |
| rechargeable (which are also good). | | | | be disposed of with one's household trash. |
| The Good. Batteries made of oxyride or alkaline | | | | Choose reusable and recyclable batteries, both for |
| are a good option for those who do not want to | | | | your pocketbook and for the health of the planet. |
| spend the money on rechargeable batteries and a | | | | |