Battery Brands and Links

Useful links for battery shoppers

Rechargeable batteries save money over the long haul -- but only if you use them in high-drain devices that would otherwise chew through a lot of disposable batteries. The Chicago Tribune's Carrie Kirby explains why putting rechargeables in low-drain devices like wall clocks is a waste of money.

Rechargeable batteries are also better for the environment, says the Union of Concerned Scientists. This nonprofit group cites a 2007 study commissioned by European rechargeable battery maker Uniross that found that rechargeable batteries do far less harm to the Earth in terms of global warming, water pollution, air pollution and acidification, and devouring non-renewable natural resources than disposable batteries do.

Rechargeable batteries are easy to recycle: Simply drop them off at major chain stores such as Lowe's, The Home Depot, Kmart, OfficeMax, Radio Shack, Sears, Staples and Target. Some areas require you to recycle rechargeable batteries, because they do contain toxic heavy metal that can build up in soil (and in humans). Check Earth911.com to learn about battery recycling laws where you live. To find stores in your area that accept batteries for recycling, check Call2Recycle.org.

If you want to get started with rechargeable batteries, the California state recycling authority (where recycling batteries is mandatory) publishes a thorough online rechargeable battery primer with all kinds of up-to-date information, including features to look for when choosing rechargeable batteries and a charger. It's written by a staffer with lots of personal experience with rechargeable batteries, and who includes personal anecdotes that illustrate what to do (and not do) with rechargeables.

The ConsumerSearch Productopia blog has a post about how to recycle batteries.

Blogger Trent Hamm at TheSimpleDollar.com> calculates how much it really costs in the long run to use rechargeable batteries -- including the electricity involved -- compared to disposable alkalines.

Another blog, SmartFrugality.com, posts an excellent, fact-based article explaining "When Should You Use Rechargeable Batteries," and why cheap alkalines can actually save you money in low-powered devices like TV remotes.

Steves-Digicams.com, a camera-enthusiast review site, has a forum where participants discuss all kinds of batteries and chargers. Knowledgeable users also comment about batteries at CandlePowerForums.com, a website for flashlight enthusiasts.

If you're interested in how batteries work, there's a huge amount of information on HowStuffWorks.com -- everything from battery chemistry to history, to pictures of disassembled batteries.

Battery manufacturers and retailers:

Costco (Kirkland Signature)

Duracell

Energizer

Kodak

Sanyo