In today’s culture, people are on the move and taking their technology with them.  The increased use of battery-draining digital cameras and other electronic mobile devices means more demand for batteries. 

To alleviate some of the hassle of using disposable batteries, many people are turning to rechargeable batteries to save money and protect the environment (tons of throw-away batteries end up in landfills every year).  But how cost-effective are rechargeable batteries, and are they an expensive initial investment? 

Most of us are familiar with the throw-away alkaline AA which powers everything from children’s toys to digital cameras.  There are other sizes and types of throw-away batteries, too – AAA, C, D, and 9-volt, all of which come in several types: alkaline, carbon-zinc, cadmium, and others. 

Pros:  New throw-away batteries actually last longer initially than freshly-charged rechargeable batteries.  They are relatively cheap and widely available, and you don’t need to purchase a charger or carry it with you.  They also perform better in intermittently-used devices such as flashlights, and they do not lose their capacity in storage (or lose it very slowly).

Cons:  Naturally, the waste generated by disposable battery use is a major drawback.  Although mercury is no longer used in the manufacture of throw-away batteries, they still contain other heavy metals and simply take up a great deal of space in landfills.  In addition, they do not biodegrade easily. Another disadvantage is the cumulative cost and hassle of buying new ones so often. 

Rechargeable batteries come in various sizes as well, and can be purchased in many of the same sizes as disposable batteries (particularly AA).  They usually come in lithium (li), nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad) or nickel metal hydride (NiMH) varieties.

Pros:  These can be recycled, and doing so is easier than ever due to the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s program called Call2Recycle.  They hold a charge better in devices that are used for extended periods, such as digital cameras.  They do not need to be replaced as often as disposable batteries; when properly charged, rechargeable batteries can last through 500 to 1000 charges (well over a year) before they need to be replaced.

Cons:  Rechargeable batteries are made with a significant amount of toxic metals, including mercury.  While the NiMH is the least toxic of the rechargeable varieties, they still have more toxic metals than throw-away alkaline batteries.  Also, rechargeable batteries lose their charge during long periods of non-use.

The initial cost of rechargeable batteries can be significant and “feel” like more money because it is being spent all at once. According to study, four quality rechargeable batteries cost $11.20 and a rather high-end charger cost $47.94 when purchased from Amazon. That’s an initial outlay of approximately $60.

Bear in mind, however, that a package of four disposable, AA alkaline batteries costs around $3-$5, and it’s not uncommon for a household to use 100 disposable batteries a year. That means you could spend up to $125 per year in throw-away alkaline batteries. As mentioned above, properly charged rechargeable batteries can last well over a year.

Conclusion

Ultimately, you as the consumer, will need to decide which type of battery makes the most economic sense in your household.  If, for example, you want to replace all the AAs in your house with rechargeable batteries, you will be looking at a higher initial investment than simply getting a four-pack for your digital camera.   Also, rechargeable batteries lose their capacity over time, so you don’t want to use them in a flashlight or smoke alarm.