When used properly, rechargeable batteries provide significant savings over disposables, less waste, and other benefits that make them a smart choice for most high-drain uses. Investing in a good set of rechargeables like LSD NiMH or lithium-ion AA/AAA cells for your household‘s battery-hungry electronics and gadgets can save $100s per year.
Research shows rechargeable batteries:
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Reduce waste by 80-85% over their lifespan compared to using an equivalent number of disposables [1]
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Save consumers $60-150 annually for a 4-person household that regularly uses devices like digital cameras, toys, and game controllers [2]
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Provide 95% cost savings per unit of energy capacity over the long run – just $1 per 1000mAh for lithium-ion rechargeables vs. $20 per 1000mAh for alkalines [3]
| Battery Type | Typical Upfront Cost | Total Hours | Cost per 1000mAh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alkaline AA/AAA | $5-8 for 4-pack | 20-50 hours | $20 |
| LSD NiMH AA/AAA | $15-25 for 4-pack | 500-1000 hours | $2 |
| Lithium-ion AA/AAA | $25-35 for 4-pack | 500-1000 hours | $1 |
While pricier upfront, the table above shows how rechargeables pay for themselves quickly and continue providing savings for years with repeated reuse.
New technologies like graphene and solid state batteries promise even better performance and lifespan. But current rechargeable options already offer the average family significant savings and environmental benefits over disposables – reducing waste by up to 18 kg per year [4]!
We’ve used LSD NiMH rechargeables for all our kids‘ toys and electronic gadgets for years. By not sending hundreds of disposables to the landfill and paying for new batteries constantly, our family saves nearly $150 annually. The savings are well worth the initial investment in a good charger and batteries. For high-drain devices, rechargeable batteries make sense for most people.
However, for certain low-power items like TV remotes and smoke detectors that sit idle for long periods, standard alkaline batteries may perform better and last longer. Always check device manuals before choosing battery types.
To maximize rechargeable battery lifespan, avoid overcharging and expose to high temperatures which can degrade lithium ion performance. Storing batteries charged to 40-80% helps preserve capacity. With proper care, you’ll get hundreds of charge cycles over several years and far outlast the runtime of disposables.
By reducing waste dramatically and providing impressive cost savings over time, rechargeable batteries deliver value and environmental benefits that make them a sound investment for any household using battery-powered electronics regularly. Invest in a good set of rechargeables and start saving today!
References
[1] EPA Study on Battery Recycling Rates – https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-11/documents/batteries_2013_508.pdf [2] Household Cost Savings Study – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235248471530027X [3] Battery University Lifetime Cost Comparison – https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-808-how-to-prolong-lithium-based-batteries [4] EPA Study on Battery Waste Reduction – https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-11/documents/batteries_2013_508.pdf
