Consider investing in a set of rechargeable batteries for use in radios, cameras, toys, power tools, clocks, flashlights, and other electronics.

Batteries con... read full tip

Consider investing in a set of rechargeable batteries for use in radios, cameras, toys, power tools, clocks, flashlights, and other electronics.

Batteries contain heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium, lead, and mercury that can contaminate the air, water, and soil if disposed of improperly.

Over its lifetime, a rechargeable battery can substitute for hundreds of single-use batteries, saving the average household at least $10 per year. For frequent battery users, the savings could total more than $800 over the usable life of a rechargeable battery.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person in the U.S. discards eight batteries per year-a total of more than 2 billion batteries annually.

If rechargeable batteries replaced just ten percent of the single-use batteries disposed of annually, 33 million pounds of batteries could be saved from landfills and incinerators each year.

Note: Just as with single-use batteries, rechargeable batteries must be disposed of properly. Check with Earth 911 for battery recycling locations near you.