So many gadgets that we use daily require batteries to function. Nevertheless, when you consider that around forty billion single-use alkaline batteries are thrown away every year, is it time to consider an alternative? 

Pale Blue Earth, who manufacture lithium batteries, believe that it is easy to cut down the number of batteries that are thrown out by making the switch to alternatives such as USB C rechargeable AAA or USB C rechargeable D batteries, for example. But many people are not willing to pay the price of rechargeable batteries because they believe that they will just die anyway. So, is this the case?

How Long Do Rechargeable Batteries Last? 

If rechargeable batteries are going to die, then what is the point of spending more money on them? This is a question often asked when the issue of switching to rechargeable batteries is raised. Yes, rechargeable batteries do cost more than single-use alkaline batteries at the till, but they last so much longer.

In the case of lithium rechargeable batteries for example, they should last for between two and four years and be capable of recharging between 600 and 1,000 times. So, if you were comparing this type of battery to a single-use battery used in a gaming controller, consider how many single-use batteries you would need to buy for that controller over the course of between two and four years. 

If your controller takes two AA batteries, you will need to buy four rechargeable batteries (this would allow you to use two while charging the other two).  Considering that your rechargeable batteries should provide a minimum of 600 charges before capacity deteriorates, you would need to purchase 600 single-use batteries over the course of the lifespan of your rechargeable batteries. That is a lot of batteries! 

Now think about the average price of single-use batteries compared to rechargeable batteries. A pack of 4 AA lithium rechargeable batteries will cost approximately $25. With a charger you could be looking at an initial cost of around $40. For USB rechargeable batteries the price is even lower. For good quality single-use alkaline batteries, you can expect to pay between $20 and $25 for a pack of 28. Taking these figures into consideration, you can see how it makes sense to buy rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, rechargeable batteries are much better for the environment. 

How to Know When Rechargeable Batteries Should be Replaced

When rechargeable batteries are used frequently and are charged regularly, the performance will start to diminish over time. If you notice that you are not getting as much use from your batteries as you previously were, it might signal the time to replace them. 

Your batteries might also be taking longer to charge than they did when you first purchased them. It is advisable to buy new batteries when it is taking twice as long to reach a full charge as it did when they were new. 

However, if you have not had your batteries for a long time and you are noticing problems with the charge, it might be that there is a problem with the charger or USB cable/port if you are using USB chargeable batteries. If this is the case, it is worth doing a bit of investigating before buying new batteries. Try using a different charging device to see if you are still having problems. 

You can also check your batteries with a voltmeter once they have been charged to see if they are still holding a charge. You should test them when fully charged and after they have been used for a little bit to get the most accurate results.