Small Steps: Responsible Recharging

An occasional series, perhaps.

The average UK household uses 21 batteries per year. Fewer than 2% of these are recycled at the end of their life.

I give you three challenges:

1. Switch to rechargeable batteries instead of disposables. For extra points, use a solar-powered charger.
2. Only recharge for as long as necessary; don’t just plug them in and leave them overnight. This applies to your mobile phone, laptop etc as well.
3. Dispose of both disposable and rechargeable batteries responsibly.

Rechargeable batteries have more capacity than disposable alkaline batteries, and can obviously be re-used hundreds of times before they run out. However most rechargeables contain nickel cadmium, which must be disposed of safely. Recharging saves money, resources, landfill space, and environmental contamination by toxic battery acid.