Go rechargeable.
Batteries keep getting more and more expensive; a trend that will probably continue. You buy a pack, use it, and often people do not dispose of them like they should be. Batteries are to be recycled but they mostly end up in land fields. To reduce your impact and save potentially a wad of cash just use rechargeable batteries.
Seen here:
These kits from Energizer can set you back around $20-$30.
That is, the kit with a few batteries included to start you off. If you need more batteries you will need to purchase them separately. Energizers newest addition, can charge batteries in just 15 minutes. You only have to use rechargeable batteries a few times to get your money back. That and you're no longer using a fresh pack of batteries and tossing them. You can find these at Target, your local pharmacy, or most anywhere that will have electronics.
Want to recycle the batteries you already have?
Here are a few services if you want to recycle your regular batteries:
- Mail-order service, Battery Solutions
- National chain, Batteries Plus
- Comprehensive national database at the Earth911.org
Did you know?
According to About.com:
“Today’s common household batteries—those ubiquitous AAs, AAAs, Cs, Ds and 9-volts from Duracell, Energizer and others—are not thought to pose as great a threat to properly equipped modern landfills as they used to because they contain much less mercury than their predecessors. As a result, most municipalities now recommend simply throwing such batteries away with your trash.
Nevertheless, environmentally concerned consumers might feel better recycling such batteries anyway, as they still do contain trace amounts of mercury and other potentially toxic stuff. Some municipalities will accept these batteries (as well as older, more toxic ones) at household hazardous waste facilities, from which they will most likely be sent elsewhere to be processed and recycled as components in new batteries.”