Rechargeable batteries

Jivesinger

thescouselander wrote: »

Any AAA size rechargeables should work but I don't think they are particularly suited to remote controls because rechargables will self discharge over time even when the device is not being used.

This is the key for me - rechargeables lose charge even when nothing is connected to them.

Even with these

baby_frogmella wrote: »

go for the highest capacity low discharge rechargeables. I have the 2500mAh Ansmanns and they are amazing...just like having alkalines but rechargeable

I looked on one of the links and it says:

This means that it can be used in most applications even up to one year after charging

... but, as posted, alkaline batteries last a few years so the rechargeables still aren't as good, and these low discharge ones are pretty pricey.

If you want to be totally green then go for the low discharge rechargeables, but I think I'd be heading to the pound shop.

randm

thanks guys, i had a look and the ones i have been using are zinc, so i will look out for the alkaline ones, never knew there was a difference!!!! our libraries have collection boxes for recycling batteries which is very useful!

patman99

They tested Duracell batteries against Kodak & Ikea batteries on 'Superscrimpers' & for things like toys Kodak lasted twice as long as the Duracell ones with Ikea dieing quickly.
For stuff like remotes and clocks, Ikea came out on top.

Hadrian

Any shop that sells batteries has by law to provide a depository box for used batteries. Does anyone know exactly what happens to them? I don't imagine for a second that they dismantle them for any reason.

DCFC79

Cisco001 wrote: »

If you using in remote, you may consider normal batteries instead. With normal batteries on remote, it last for years. IMO, it is not economical to put an expensive rechargeable batteries for that purpose.

BTW, if you want rechargeable batteries, consider GP Recyko, I think they are in good value for its performance.

What about things like Xbox controller.

Norman_Castle

Hadrian wrote: »

Any shop that sells batteries has by law to provide a depository box for used batteries. Does anyone know exactly what happens to them? I don't imagine for a second that they dismantle them for any reason.

I think the main aim is to keep pollutants out of the environment allthough I expect as much as possible is re used.

S0litaire

also it's interesting to get a pack of 8 cheepo batteries and 8 good quality ones like Duracell and weigh them on kitchen scales.

You'll find the longer lasting batteries are heavier than the cheep ones!

I worked in a warehouse and we sold loads of batteries from cheap £1 for 12 to the expensive £7 for 4!! and you could actually feel the difference between a single cheap AA and an expensive one! (the good ones felt nearly twice as heave as the cheap ones!)

Nilrem

Norman_Castle wrote: »

I think the main aim is to keep pollutants out of the environment allthough I expect as much as possible is re used.

IIRC they'll be taken taken to some form of distribution/collection centre then be sent off to a specialist facility.

It's a little like lead acid car batteries - all of them have had to be recycled for years (both by retailers and the tips having special boxes), they're eventually taken to a facility where they can all be thrown in together and then broken down with the usable chemicals and materials largely reclaimed.

Normal batteries tend to have some nasty chemicals you want to keep out of the water table/landfill, but also once you get enough of them together they can be sorted fairly quickly, and many of the materials reclaimed.

I have a plastic pot in my garage which I drop dead batteries into, then every time I go to the tip for something else, or if the tub is full (usually takes a year or so), and I'm going near the tip I'll divert to it, as their battery bin is easy to access and I'm not then carrying a pocketful of dead batteries around the shops (many of whom seem to have either a small box that is overflowing, or it's out of the way somewhere).

almillar

Rechargables, as others have said, aren't good for low drain/occasional stuff, like remotes, clocks and torches. These are the places you should be placing alkalines.
As patman99 says, that show did actually find that for low drain stuff (that's your remotes) the CHEAPEST batteries actually lasted LONGEST.
Don't waste your money on expensive batteries for stuff like that.
Having said all that, Maplin's rechargeable batteries are great, buy them when they're half price (often!).

andy2004

rechargables are good for those 3 aaa torches with 9 leds, I put some in about 3 months ago, use the torch now and then, still working, recharge the batteries usually once every 6months.
For remotes I use standard AA / AAA alkaline batteries, personally dont like the ZINC ones you can buy, never last as long as alkaline, and i'm not talking expensive alkaline batteries, they last about a year in a clock.
if you look on ebay for rechargables stay well clear of the ones which are called BTY 2500, they are rubbish, i bought a pack to try them.

Bought some for aldi's they're good, and some from lidls also good, for my radio i use in the bathroom.
Duracells are good 2400mah AA 4 pack. prices vary.

The cheapest batteries i've bought are probably the ones in cheap shops, 24 for a pound but they are alkaline.