Rechargeable batteries are a great way to save money and reduce waste. In Australia, households use over 3 million batteries annually. These statistics are alarming because single-use batteries contribute to over 30% of all electronic waste. While rechargeable batteries are a tad bit pricey, they are more financially feasible since they last over 3-4 years on average. Read on for everything you should know before purchasing the best rechargeable batteries in Australia.
What are rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries are different from disposable ones. They are reusable after charging, which makes them more environmentally friendly. You can expect to save money over time by using rechargeable batteries instead of buying disposable ones.
Advantages of Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries offer several advantages over disposable ones. They’re cheaper to use, better for the environment and can be used in more devices.
Rechargeable batteries are generally less expensive than disposable ones because you won’t have to replace them as frequently. Even if you use rechargeable AA batteries once a week, it would cost about AUD2 less per month than using alkaline AAs every day (that’s about AUD30 per year).
The environmental benefits of rechargeables are also significant: disposing of alkaline batteries in landfills has been shown to pollute water supplies with toxic chemicals like lead. The disposal process is also energy-intensive—only 30% of discarded batteries get recycled, while the rest are buried underground or tossed into streams and rivers, where they cause contamination problems for wildlife and humans alike. Rechargeable batteries do not contribute heavily towards these problems since they can be reused repeatedly without damaging the environment.
The NiCad Problem
With NiCad batteries, the biggest problem is that they have a low self-discharge rate. This means they retain their charge for a long time before they need to be recharged; however, it also means that when you use them, you don’t get as much life out of them.
Because they take longer to charge than other rechargeable batteries, many people end up putting off charging until it’s too late, and their device will no longer work because the battery can’t hold enough charge to run the device.
Advantages of Li-ion batteries over NiMH and NiCd batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have some advantages over other rechargeable battery types. They’re the best choice for high-drain devices such as digital cameras or camcorders because they can deliver a lot of power in a short period. Lithium-ion batteries have greater power density than NiMH and NiCd batteries, which means they have more capacity (mAh) per gram of weight. A lithium-ion battery with 5200 mAh capacity weighs only about half as much as an equivalent NiMH battery with 2500 mAh capacity.
Lithium-ion batteries also have lower self-discharge rates and last longer than other rechargeable batteries. This makes them ideal for long-term applications such as standby power supplies or cordless tools that spend weeks or months between charges. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type in Australia.
Tips for Purchasing Rechargeable Batteries
When purchasing rechargeable batteries, you want to ensure that you buy from a reputable Australian supplier. Check the reviews on different products and look into the warranty. It is also important to be aware of the battery type and capacity (mAh) that you need for your device before searching for a specific brand or product. There are multiple retail stores in Australia, making single-use batteries more accessible. However, you should seek a verified manufacturer for rechargeable batteries because quality matters. Moreover, choosing an Australian-based manufacturer makes addressing manufacturing defects easier.
Another thing to consider is whether or not the charger comes with your purchase, as, in some cases, it will be an additional cost.
Maintenance and Care of Rechargeable Batteries
After purchasing the best rechargeable batteries in Australia, care and maintenance determine whether you make the most out of your purchase. Because rechargeable batteries are made from toxic materials, you must store them properly. The best place to store your batteries is in a cool, dry place. You want to keep them away from metal objects like keys or coins because this can cause a short circuit and ruin the battery. Never leave your rechargeable batteries in the charger for extended periods—this will also damage them. Finally, always keep these products out of reach of children who might mistake them for toys or candy!
