batteries

Where to Take Your Batteries, CFL Bulbs, and Other Hard-to-Recycle Stuff

Carrie Kirby — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 08:30:22 +0000

Not only is it harmful to the earth to throw recyclable items into landfills, but it's now illegal to dump certain items in many places. When an item isn't accepted by your city's regular recycling pickup, it can be tempting to just chuck it in the trash. Here's how to properly dispose of those tricky items.

1. Non-rechargeable batteries

The AAs from your kids' toys, those weird little coin-shaped ones, the 9-volt batteries from your smoke detector, even dead cellphone batteries — none of those should be going to the landfill. Check with your local trash service, because some of them will pick up batteries and dispose of them properly if they're left in a specified place or container. Increasingly, public facilities such as libraries and city halls have battery collection boxes, as well. If you don't know of a location, look up the nearest one on Call2Recycle. The nonprofit says that most of us live within 10 miles of a battery drop-off point.

2. Rechargeable batteries

These batteries can't be re-juiced forever, and when they're done, it can be challenging to find someone to take them. But it's even more important to keep these guys out of the landfill than regular batteries, because they contain dangerous heavy metals. You can drop them off at some retailers. Again, check Call2Recycle for locations near you.

3. Cellphones

If you're getting rid of your phone, leave the battery in it and drop it off at a recycling kiosk, public drop-off box, or nonprofit organization. Fortunately, many used smartphones are still worth money, so there are a lot of organizations that will take them.

4. CFL bulbs

These twisty light bulbs are another dangerous one to chuck in the landfill, because of the mercury they contain. Check out earth911 for locations near you that will take them. Sometimes you can even just drop them at stores like The Home Depot, Lowe's, or Ace Hardware.

5. Eye glasses

Jinkies, don't ever throw away an outdated pair of specs! The Lions Club can deliver your castoff glasses to a low-income person in need — and yes, they sort them for prescription first so they can match the eyewear to the need. Many optometrist offices have Lions Club collection boxes, but if you can't find one, you can contact your local club or mail them in.

6. Electronics

Goodwill accepts donations of working electronics at their stores, or they can pick them up. They will even wipe your personal data off your hard drive for free. Specifically, Goodwill accepts desktop and laptop computers, tablets, business network switches and routers, and servers, all five years old or less. Any older electronics will have to go to an e-waste collector.

7. CRT monitors

Picture tubes contain lead, so this is another product that it's extra-important to keep out of landfills. One thing Goodwill will not accept is a bulky, old-style monitor. Drop them off at Staples for free. Or drop off up to two computer monitors of any kind, per day, at Best Buy, but you will have to pay them $25 to take them off your hands. You can also contact the company that made the monitor to find out if they have a take-back or trade-in program.

8. TVs

Smaller TVs can be dropped off at electronics stores. If you have a large TV to get rid of, you'll have to contact an e-waste company such as All Green, and they can either come pick it up for a fee, or allow you to drop it off. You could also try contacting your local government, since many have e-waste drop-off centers or schedule e-waste collection days that include TVs.

9. Printer ink and toner cartridges

Good news here: You can actually get money or store credit for ink cartridges from office supply stores or online buyback programs. Call your local office supply store.

10. Tires

Once considered useless, 90 percent of old tires now live on as playground surfaces, building materials, and even fuels. Turns out, a single tire contains five gallons of oil! Contact a local tire store to find out if they will take them, or check with your state to see if there is an official tire disposal plan. Otherwise check earth911 for additional locations. (See also: 12 Cool Ways to Make Treasure Out of Trash)

11. Appliances

Because they contain metal that can be sold as scrap, unwanted appliances are usually easy to get rid of — you might even get paid for them. My electric utility paid me $35 for the privilege of picking up my old freezer.

Retailers will often take away an old appliance for free when delivering a new one. But when my dryer broke, Sears Outlet wanted to charge me to remove it. I asked around and get the number for a local independent scrap dealer, who was at my house with a dolly to haul it away within an hour.

12. Paint and chemicals

Contact your town, city, or county to find out the procedure for disposing of Household Hazardous Waste. Los Angeles county, for instance, hosts regular HHW collection events. The county reuses discarded paint for covering graffiti, and converts used motor oil into marine diesel fuel.

13. Medication

According to the Food and Drug Administration, you should contact your waste collection service or your local government to find out if there is a medication take-back program in your area. If you can't get them to such a program, the FDA suggests you mix old pills with an undesirable substance such as kitty litter, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it in the trash.

If all else fails

If you don't have time to call around to find out about the next e-waste collection day or drug take-back program, find a battery drop-box, or contact a scrap dealer, there are two other convenient ways to get rid of practically anything:

Pay someone else

1-800-GOT-JUNK? and similar companies will pick up an appliance, an old hot tub, tires, construction waste, TVs — anything not considered hazardous. They promise to dispose of it responsibly. Of course, this kind of ease comes at a price, about $500 a truckload, on average.

List the item on Freecycle

You never know what trash of yours could be another person's treasure. I've had success getting members of my community to take away empty glass bottles, old magazines, unwanted furniture, and broken electronics, all by listing them on my local Freecycle group.

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best 9 Volt Batteries

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 17:00:46 +0000

Whether you need a new battery for your flashlight, or are looking for a long-lasting, reliable option for your smoke detector, everyone needs a good 9 volt battery every once in awhile. It’s also a great idea to keep extra 9 volt batteries around in case of an emergency. That’s why we’ve found some of the best 9 volt batteries available.

What Is a 9 Volt Battery?

A 9 volt battery is a power source commonly used in small electronic devices, home appliances, and home security devices. They can easily be replaced and installed, the same as you would an AA battery or an AAA battery.

They were first introduced for transistor radios in 1956 and are commonly used in professional and home use today. They have a rectangular shape with rounded edges and are constructed of six 1.5V LR61 cells. Lithium batteries tend to work longer for high-drain devices, while alkaline batteries offer a more affordable option for low-drain devices.

Top 5 9-Volt Batteries

AmazonBasics 9 Volt Everyday Alkaline Batteries

Amazon’s own house brand of batteries, AmazonBasics 9 Volt Everyday Alkaline Batteries, are Amazon’s #1 best seller in 9 volt batteries, as well as the top rated 9V batteries and one of the “most wished for” items on Amazon. AmazonBasics offers affordable products, without sacrificing quality. In fact, these batteries are carefully tested and reviewed to ensure Amazon consistently offers high-quality products with uncompromised standards.

The batteries offer a three-year shelf life and can work with a variety of devices, including cameras, toys, remotes, clocks, flashlights, radios, and other household electronics. They are slightly longer than standard 9V batteries, but should still fit your electronics and home security devices fine. This affordable pack of eight batteries ships in certified frustration-free packaging.

Currently $9.99 on Amazon

Energizer Advanced Lithium 9V Batteries

Energizer Advanced Lithium 9V Batteries are a great long-lasting choice. The lithium design has a storage life of up to 10 years, and lithium batteries can last up to twice as long as alkaline batteries. They are leak resistant, weigh 25% less than a standard alkaline battery, and can perform well even in extreme temperatures. They offer more power, so you can count on them to run any devices, high-tech gadgets, smoke detectors, and electronics.

These high-energy batteries are one of Amazon’s best sellers. Energizer was named an Innovations Design and Engineering Award Honoree and is a trusted household name. Energizer MAX Alkaline Batteries and Rechargeable 9 Volt Batteries are also bestselling award-winners, so you’re bound to find the right batteries with Energizer.

Currently $12.38 on Amazon

Duracell Procell 9 Volt Batteries

Duracell Procell 9 Volt Batteries are one of Amazon’s best sellers, as well as the top rated 9V batteries and one of the “most wished for” items on Amazon. They are professional quality and manufactured specifically for industrial use, making them the preferred choice of sound technicians, broadcasters, police, and fire departments around the nation. They are also the preferred choice for hospitals and medical devices due to their unwavering reliability. They can also fit any device that the traditional Duracell Coppertop Batteries can fit, such as small radios, toys, remotes, calculators, smoke detectors, flashlights, and bathroom fixtures, so they are also perfect for home use. They have the longest lasting alkaline power cells available and are some of the most dependable batteries on the market, with a seven-year shelf life. They have secure seal corrosion resistance, so the sensitive equipment inside is well protected.

The 12-pack of batteries offers bulk pricing, which leads to significant savings. Duracell is the world’s #1 brand of batteries, has been a trusted household name for more than 40 years, guarantees dependable performance, and was awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal, so you’re bound to be satisfied.

Currently $16.08 on Amazon

EBL High Volume 9V Lithium-ion Low Self-Discharge Rechargeable Battery

The EBL® High Volume 9V Lithium-ion Low Self-discharge Rechargeable Battery was selected as the best 9V rechargeable battery by several independent review sites. The batteries come pre-charged and can be recharged up to 1,200 times, providing an incredible value. The improved “low-self discharge” means they will hold the charge for a year and can maintain 75% of capacity after three years of consistent usage, which is ideal for fire alarms, home security devices, and professional audio and medical devices. They can be charged anytime and offer convenient operation with no memory effect. The battery uses a new gel-type electrolyte, which has an energy density that is 20% more than other lithium ion batteries with only 550mAh capacity. Along with holding their charge for longer, they also last up to three times as long as other rechargeable 9V NiMH batteries.

The batteries are backed by outstanding reviews and a 30-day money back and one-year limited warranty. If you don’t already have a universal battery charger for rechargeable batteries, consider the affordable EBL® 829 Universal Battery Charger for AA/AAA/9V/18650 Rechargeable Batteries.

Currently $19.99 on Amazon

Duracell Alkaline 9 Volt Coppertop Batteries

The Duracell Alkaline 9 Volt Coppertop Batteries are the everyday-use version of the Duracell Procell 9V batteries. These mercury-free batteries are ideal for small radios, toys, remotes, smoke alarms, flashlights, and bathroom fixtures. They offer dependable, long-lasting results with an expected life of about seven years. These batteries are one of Amazon’s best sellers and even come with a free reusable plastic storage container. Duracell is the world’s #1 brand of batteries, has been a trusted household name for more than 40 years, guarantees dependable performance, and was awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal, so you’re bound to be satisfied.

Currently $7.24 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best 9 volt batteries. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Long Lasting AA Batteries

Jeffrey Pu — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 10:24:45 +0000

These days, our electronic devices are powered by a number of different types of batteries, from small button cell batteries to the lithium-ion batteries that run the laptop I'm writing this on. But despite great developments in battery technology, we still rely on traditional AA batteries to power many of our electronics. In order to keep your devices running as long as possible between battery swaps, we've compiled a list of the top five longest-lasting AA batteries.

What is an AA battery?

AA batteries refer to one size of battery in a standardized system established by the American National Standards Institute. AA batteries are still the most popular battery type sold in the United States, accounting for about 50% of general battery sales. When purchasing AAs, it's important to keep in mind what you're planning to power with them. Alkaline batteries work best with low-drain devices such as TV remotes or clocks. For high-drain devices like a digital camera, it's best to go with lithium batteries.

Best long lasting AA batteries

Energizer Ultimate Lithium

For those looking for disposable lithium batteries, the Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAs are a fantastic contender. Great at powering high-drain devices like cameras and CD players, their longevity is superior to alkaline batteries. Shelf-life and performance justify the higher cost. However, be aware that these are not rechargeable, which might be a better option for devices that see regular usage.

Currently $7.99 on Amazon

Duracell Quantum

Recommended by Consumer Reports, the Duracell Quantum alkaline-manganese oxide AA batteries will power many of the electronic devices in your home. With a shelf life of 10 years, you can be sure that these batteries will last for a very long time and will still provide juice even if you don't use them for a while. These also come with Duracell's PowerCheck, which allows you to see the remaining power on each battery with the push of a button.

Currently $24.89 on Amazon

Duracell CopperTop

Another excellent choice in non-rechargeable alkaline batteries is the staple Duracell CopperTop. Users and experts alike admire both the reliability and affordability of the CopperTops. In terms of performance, many claim that these Duracells are comparable to many more-expensive AA batteries.

Currently $6.77 on Amazon

AmazonBasics Rechargeable AA Batteries

These rechargeable AA batteries from Amazon are a great way to power your devices that see the most frequent use. Able to be charged up to 1,000 times, these batteries last a long time, saving you money down the line. With an extremely slow self-discharge rate, these batteries are also capable of being stored for long periods of time without losing much of their potency.

Currently $24.99 on Amazon

Sanyo Eneloop Rechargeable

Great at powering both high- and low-drain devices, the Eneloop rechargeables are recommended by many experts for their extremely high longevity, both inside and outside electronic devices. Eneloop batteries have up to 1,500 charge cycles and can retain up to 85% of their charge even when not used within a year. Finally, because of their low discharge rate, they are sold pre-charged and can be used right out of the box.

Currently $28.96 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best pet flea shampoos. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Jeffrey Pu of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The $40 Hidden Inside a 12V Battery

Paul Michael — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:24:00 +0000

Hands up who hates buying batteries. (I had both hands up in the air by the way, briefly, but had to put them down to continue writing this article.) Anyway, batteries are the bane of my life. It seems almost every toy we have for our children or gadget for ourselves require batteries. And they need them in all shapes and sizes. The worst offenders are those button-cell batteries. Small and costly...until I saw the coolest video. (See also: 5 Quick Remote Control Hacks to Save You Time and Money)

Kipkay over at Metacafe has done it again, with a life hack and battery hack that will save you roughly $40 on those 1.5V button cell batteries. All you need is a 2-pack of 12V A23 batteries, which retail at less than $2 a pack. I found my set on Amazon for $1.66.

$40 From a 12V Battery

How To Hack A 12 Volt Battery

As the video shows, you simply split them open to reveal EIGHT 1.5V button-cell batteries, each one worth around $5. And as these 12V batteries come in pairs that gives you a grand total of 16 new batteries worth around $80. Not bad for an initial investment of $1.66. Kipkay also goes on to split a 9V battery for use in a battery emergency. You could say these hacks are literally "power to the people." (Sorry, couldn't resist).

9V Emergency Battery Hack

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The end of the Energizer bunny: SIX products that don't need batteries.

Paul Michael — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:00:54 +0000

Since I became a father, my household's battery consumption has quadrupled. It seems like we're always running out of batteries, or batteries go "missing" from my tools, flashlights and other household items to make their way inside one of a dozen Fisher Price toys. I swear, Duracell and Energizer have some kind of secret deal going with the big toy companies.

Anyway, I decided to take a look at a few products that have replaced batteries with something else. Be it a dynamo or kinetic energy or solar power, these are my top SIX picks of the battery-free products out there. Let's all raise our glasses to lower proft margins for the drum-banging bunny this year.

1:Dynamo Illuminator Wind-up LED Flashlight

Simply turn the handle for just one minute and get one hour of continuous light. Ideal for the car or the emergency flashlight in your home, and it's cheap at less than $12.

2: Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Red)

This one's a little harder work, giving you just 10 minutes of radio time for 1 minute of cranking. However, after reading over 100 reviews it seems as though people don't mind this fact because the thing is built like a bomb shelter. And if you consider when you need to use a gadget like this, maybe in something like a Katrina situation, I'll take some cranking work in exchange for a functioning connection to the outside world. Less than $40.

3: Eureka! Solar Intent Large 6-person Tent with Interior Lighting

I'm still impressed by this piece of equipment. A six-person solar-powered tent that gives you beautiful light at night and also charges batteries for you. It's 11ft x 11ft, 6ft 6" tall and also has a window and 3 vents. It's also not much more expensive than regualr tents of the same size, coming in at $230.

4: Reliance Solar Spray Shower

As we're on the subject of camping, say goodbye to cold showers. This handy 5-gallon shower comes with solar panels to heat the water. Just hang it in the sun for around 2.5 hours and then enjoy a nice hot shower in less than favorable weather. At just $10, it's an affordable luxury away from home.

5: Rustek Athena Mobile Phone Charger

How many times has your phone gone dead on you? Well, if you're out and about this could be a handy thing to keep around. Using a dynamo it allows you to basically "wind up" your cell phone and start talking again. This one comes with adaptors for most phones and is under $25. I found others that also have lights and radios built in, but I say get something that is made for the job at hand.

6: Men's Seiko Kinetic Bilingual calendar SKJ262

I've never liked wind-up watches because my memory sucks. If I forget to wind, I could have a dead watch on me. And I hate that. Of course, batteries are more reliable but they die aswell. So for me, Kinetic watches are the way to go and Seiko is a great name to rely on. Most come in at around the $300 mark, but I found this beauty for $120 brand new. Fossil supposedly make a Kinetic line, too.

On my travel I also discovered items like the wireless battery-free optical mouse and even a clockwork vibrator, but alas I could find no-one who stocked either. But watch this space.

Main photo (yes, I know it's not an Energizer battery) by The Stock Exchange

All product links go to Amazon, a trusted site.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: