A Guide to Choosing, Storing, Disposing and Recycling of Batteries

How to choose the right battery

Picking out the right battery type can often be confusing, especially when faced with a variety of options. For example, should you choose single-use or rechargeable batteries? To help you select the right battery, we’ve broken down the essentials you need to know about each battery type.

Alkaline batteries deliver more power.

Preferred for the increasing power demand of everyday devices, our alkaline batteries are a great fit for an array of low to high-drain devices, such as toys, headlamps, game controllers and smoke detectors. That said, not all alkaline batteries are created equal, and performance will vary depending on the device’s drain rating.

Lithium batteries are best suited for extreme temperatures and long use times.

Durable, lightweight yet powerful, Lithium batteries are well-matched for high-tech devices that require prolonged use (e.g. smoke detectors and sensors), high-power input (e.g. photoflashes and portable motor-driven devices) and extreme temperatures (e.g. flashlights in severe cold conditions).

Rechargeable NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries offer an eco-friendly charge.

Preferred for the increasing power demand of everyday devices, our alkaline batteries are a great fit for an array of low to high-drain devices, such as toys, headlamps, game controllers and smoke detectors. That said, not all alkaline batteries are created equal, and performance will vary depending on the device’s drain rating.

Voltage is especially important.

When picking out the right battery, voltage is also crucial to consider. That’s because some devices will not operate properly (or will only operate for a short time) if paired with less-than-ideal voltage. Here’s something to remember: While alkaline batteries typically have a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts, rechargeable batteries have 1.2 volts; on the other hand, an alkaline battery will start its initial charge at 1.5 volts before tapering down to 1.2 volts in later charges.

How to dispose of old batteries - the right way

Here are three safety tips to keep in mind when properly disposing of your batteries:
The valuable raw material in single-use batteries can be recycled and reused to create new products. Both primary and rechargeable batteries can be taken to recycling stations to ensure the batteries are recycled and saved from the landfill.

To minimize the number of batteries entering our landfills, GP promotes the use of rechargeable batteries as a single rechargeable battery can replace hundreds of single-use batteries. For the disposal of both rechargeable and single-use batteries, we encourage consumers to find a recycling station in their local communities

Safety tip 1

Take caution when grouping used batteries for disposal. Since used batteries are often not completely discharged, this can potentially bring live batteries into contact with each other, creating safety risks. We recommend taping the positive terminal of the battery with protective caps or masking tape. This will ensure the battery type is still identifiable at the recycling centre, while also protecting you from danger. Do not wrap the entire battery to avoid being unrecognisable.

Safety tip 2

When disposing of a leaky battery, make sure to place the affected battery into a non-metal container (to avoid further damage) while avoiding contact with your skin. If there is a battery leakage, quickly wash any part of your skin or object that may have come in contact with the battery acid. Finally, before carefully discarding them in the trash, we suggest placing the damaged batteries into a plastic bag as a safeguard against further acid damage.

Safety tip 3

Small batteries can cause serious internal injury or death if swallowed. It is important to keep batteries safely out of reach from children, especially when it comes to disposing of them. If your child swallows a battery, please seek immediate medical attention.

Summary

1. Choosing the right battery needs to factor in your specific needs and the device’s requirements, the battery type (such as alkaline, lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride), as well as the battery capacity, voltage and size. Researching and understanding the advantages and limitations of different battery types can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
   
   
2. To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of a battery, it is crucial to follow proper maintenance practices. Do fully charge the battery before initial use, use the device regularly to avoid long periods of inactivity and store batteries in a cool and dry place. Do not overcharge or undercharge the battery, expose it to extreme temperatures, mix old and new batteries and attempt to disassemble or modify the battery.
   
   
3. When it comes to disposing of old batteries, it is essential to handle them responsibly to prevent environmental harm. Many batteries contain toxic chemicals that can seep into the soil and water if not disposed of correctly. The preferred method of disposal is to recycle batteries at designated recycling centers or drop-off locations. These facilities have the proper infrastructure to handle and recycle batteries safely.
   
   
4. By recycling your batteries, it helps to prevent hazardous materials from ending up in landfills or being released into the environment. Valuable materials like metals can be recovered and reused which reduce the need for new resource extraction. Proper recycling of batteries contributes to minimising pollution, conserving natural resources and promoting a sustainable approach to managing battery waste.