Rechargeable Batteries from www.biggreenpurse.com

Every year, Americans throw away over 2.5 billion pounds of household batteries. But we’re not just tossing out the Eveready bunny. When our batteries hit the trash so do the mercury, cadmium, lead, lithium, manganese dioxide, silver, nickel, zinc and other heavy metals they contain.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that businesses dispose of batteries as hazardous waste. However, no federal regulations exist for batteries used at home. You can take matters into your own hands by buying fewer toys and appliances that rely only on batteries for power. As often as possible, choose products that can be powered electrically to avoid the battery conundrum altogether.

If you do need batteries, choose rechargeables so you use fewer batteries overall. When you’ve exhausted the life of any battery, don’t toss it in the trash. Save it for a hazardous waste pickup in your community, or take it to your local hazardous waste management facility (check with your city or county government for the nearest location).

For cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, Game Boys and other portable electronic toys that feature built-in rechargeable battery packs, the Solio solar battery charger is worth a look. Its three solar fan blades capture the sun’s energy, convert it to electricity and charge an average cell phone, for example, in about two hours.

For more information, visit www.biggreenpurse.com.
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