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Are Rechargeable Batteries Worth It?

A white-outlined battery symbol shows a positive and negative charge, overlaying a blue and grey image of battery ends.

Are rechargeable batteries worth it? Many people are so used to buying disposable batteries that recharging batteries seems like it might be a bit of a hassle. But before disregarding the option, it's essential to consider a few things about those seemingly convenient batteries.

A picture of a full landfill with a blue-grey sky in the background. The landfill shows many pieces of brown, grey, and green debris piled up.

Each year, people in the US throw out about 3 billion batteries or 180,000 tons! If all these batteries were placed end-to-end, they would go around the globe a shocking six times! That means landfills are full of batteries, which contain hazardous chemicals and can't be composted.

If you’re considering taking a greener approach to battery use, here’s how to know when it’s worth it to opt for the rechargeable battery route.

What Are Standard or Alkaline Batteries?

The image shows a group of Duracell Ultra batteries in AAA and AA size against a white background. The batteries are copper colored and black with a blue ring near the top.

When most of us think about changing the batteries in the remote or switching out batteries in a bedside close, we’re probably thinking of Alkaline or standard non-rechargeable batteries. Most of us have a drawer of various AAA, AA, C, and D versions of Alkaline batteries somewhere in our house.

While these batteries work fine for everyday household use, they’re often not the most environmentally friendly choice.

These alkaline batteries are made with a combination of chemicals like zinc, manganese oxide, potassium hydroxide, and other components. Some types of standard batteries include ammonium chloride (car batteries use sulfuric acid).

The materials inside an alkaline battery are charged during manufacturing but aren't designed to hold a charge again. Putting a non-rechargeable battery on a charging station could even result in a dangerous thermal reaction or explosion. Chemicals could leak out of the batteries as well.

So, because these standard batteries can’t be recharged, they’re considered disposable. Once their life is up, they typically get tossed in the trash, where they add to all those batteries in the landfill.

Standard Batteries:

  • They are initially less expensive but costly to replace in the long run.
  • Have a relatively short lifespan.
  • Often create more packaging and waste.
  • Offer subpar performance compared to rechargeable options.

What Are Rechargeable Batteries?

A package of Duracell AA Rechargeable batteries. The package is black and contains four copper and green colored batteries.

Rechargeable batteries are designed to be recharged multiple times. That's because rechargeable batteries are made with different materials that allow them to withstand the stress of charging repeatedly.

Some rechargeable batteries use heavy metals like nickel, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and nickel-cadmium (NiCd). But most rechargeable batteries today are lithium-ion (LiOn). These batteries are safe, long-lasting, and easy to charge. However, like the batteries in your phone and other rechargeable electronics, they can become hot when charging.

A little heat is okay, but it's important to keep an eye on a charging item to ensure it doesn't overheat (which can be dangerous).

Most rechargeable batteries:

  • Last up to 5 years.
  • Require less packaging and generate less waste.
  • Offer excellent performance that gets better over time.
  • They are easy and safe to store.
  • It can be used in the same applications as most alkaline batteries.

How to Pick the Right Battery

A closeup of a gold clock face against a grey background. The clock face features sans-serif numbers in black and black hands, showing the time 2:10.

So if there are so many benefits to using rechargeable batteries, why would anyone ever use standard batteries? First, it's important to note that, initially, standard batteries might be a little less expensive than the investment in rechargeable batteries (although considering the longer-term benefits, rechargeable batteries may save you money in almost all cases in the long run).

When can you use a standard or alkaline battery? If you prefer non-rechargeable or standard batteries, or you’re trying to use up some you have on hand, they are ideal for certain situations. Alkaline batteries are a good choice for low-drain products that use power only occasionally or for products that use very low power over a long period of time.

Examples of household uses for alkaline batteries include smoke detectors, remote controls, and wall clocks. Try to use your alkaline batteries for these types of low-power applications.

When Should I Use Rechargeable Batteries?

A professional black digital camera is mounted on a tripod overlooking a mountain and valley of green trees.

Rechargeable batteries have less of an environmental impact when compared to standard batteries. They also save you money because they are reusable, paying for themselves over time. In addition, many rechargeable batteries on the market today actually last longer on a single charge than most disposable batteries do in their lifetime. With that kind of performance, money-saving aspects, and environmentally friendly benefits, rechargeable batteries are a powerful idea!

So are rechargeable batteries worth it? Absolutely! You can find all standard sizes, like rechargeable AA batteries for your remote, AAAs for your camera, and sizes specially made for certain electronics. Lithium rechargeable batteries work like Alkaline batteries because they both produce energy in the same way, but rechargeable batteries can also complete the action in reverse. They can start with full power and give off energy, or they can start without power and take in energy to restore their charge.

When should you use rechargeable batteries? Rechargeable batteries are ideal for high-drain electronics (those that quickly use a lot of power and energy). These electronics include:

Tips for Using Rechargeable Batteries

A black Energizer brand battery charging unit for rechargeable AA and AAA batteries is shown holding four silver AA Energizer Recharge Batteries.

While it's tempting to go out and buy all-new rechargeable batteries, it’s wise to make a slow transition to rechargeable batteries in your home electronics. If you're new to rechargeable batteries, look for rechargeable batteries with a charger for your first purchase. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate charging unit to get started.

As your standard batteries run out, switch them over to your new rechargeable batteries. Be sure to read our article on how to properly dispose of batteries to safely discard the old batteries. This will make it easy and affordable to make the transition to environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries. In the long term, you'll save money, and your investment in rechargeable batteries will be better for the environment.

The good news is that rechargeables can last even longer per charge than disposable batteries. When you’re ready to start making the switch to rechargeable batteries, you’ll find everything you need at your local Do it Best store or on doitbest.com.

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