Rechargeable batteries have been around for years, but many people still don't use them. According to The Environmental Protection Agency, people in the U.S. buy almost 3 billion batteries a year to power up all their home and office electronics. That number could be greatly reduced if more people purchased a rechargeable battery pack instead of regular batteries.

There are rechargeable batteries for sale to suit any battery related needs. A lithium ion rechargeable battery is specifically designed for digital cameras and nimh rechargeable batteries cover almost any other battery type (AA rechargeable batteries, volt rechargeable batteries, etc.)

There are several benefits to using rechargeable batteries. When you use them you will:

1. Save money by needing to buy fewer batteries.

2. Help protect the environment by reusing the same rechargeable battery again and again.

3. Not have to worry about disposing of batteries on a regular basis.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify rechargeable battery suppliers

Finding a reliable rechargeable battery pack is easy. Most major battery companies manufacture batteries that can be recharged.

I recommend: Visit the websites of well-known battery companies such as Duracell or Panasonic to see the products they have available. Any battery company will have the standard types of rechargeable batteries for sale, such as AA, AAA, C or volt rechargeable batteries. Compare prices and products on a site like batteries.com or Budget Batteries to better understand the rates that rechargeable battery vendors charge.

Protect your rechargeable batteries

Elongate the life of your batteries and your rechargeable batteries charger. The longer they last, the less often you have to buy new batteries.

I recommend: Start off by buying the right type of battery. The Green Guide provides information on purchasing environmentally safe and long-lasting batteries. The California Integrated Waste Management Board provides a brief tutorial on how to give your batteries a longer life.

Recycle your used rechargeable batteries

Even a rechargeable battery will eventually wear out and stop accepting a new charge. When this happens, the batteries must be properly disposed of. Never put a battery into the garbage. According to the EHSO (Environment, Health & Safety Online) website, it is important to recycle batteries instead of throwing them away because batteries contain heavy metals that will get into landfills and the air. Another benefit of recycling is simply that the materials will be reused, thus saving resources.

I recommend: RBRC collects and disposes of rechargeable batteries. Go to their site and input your city and state or zip code to find out where the nearest battery drop-off center is located. Many businesses accept used batteries from their customers, you just have to find out which ones. Earth911 provides information on where you can take batteries locally to be recycled. At the top of their website you will find a window that reads "Find a Recycling or Re-Use Location." Simply click on "Batteries," enter your zip code and see where to take batteries to be properly recycled.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Read the 'ingredients' of your batteries. Stay away from any product that contains mercury.
• •  Always remove batteries from items that will not be used for a long time. This will extend the life of your batteries.
• •  Never attempt to recharge a battery that is not actually rechargeable. This might cause the battery to leak or even crack open.