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.