13 replies to this topic

[fancyfingers]

We have regular batteries, a battery charger and had, I stress the word had approximately 12 rechargeable AA batteries. With 3 kids, we go through batteries like they are going out of style and today my son tells me we only have 3 of the rechargable batteries left, everything else is gone! Apparently they have tossed out 9 rechargeable batteries! There is a bit of green on the batteries, but if you are not looking, it is hard to see if they are rechargeable or not. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make the rechargeable batteries more noticable than the regular ones?

[E3 wise]

I have not tested this item but got some info sent to me about it from a good source.  It recharges standard batteries, I am forwarding the info from Home Shoping Network.  Why buy rechargable batteries if you can recharge standard throw away batteries.  Following comes from HSN website follows.

Get more out of your alkaline batteries with the Renu-It Disposable Battery Regenerator. This fantastic device not only regenerates dead alkaline batteries, it recharges several common rechargeable batteries as well, helping you save money and reduce waste. You can even charge or regenerate mixed battery types and sizes at the same time!

Renu-It Disposable Battery Regenerator Features:

• Works with 3 different battery chemistries - regenerates or recharges alkaline, NiMH or NiCd batteries
  
• 4 charging docks - charges/regenerates AA, AAA, C, D or 9-volt batteries
  
• Battery protection - charger protects against overcharge, overheat, short-circuit and polarity-reversal issues
  
• Advanced processor control - for plug-and-go operation
  
• LED indicator - turns off when charging/regenerating process is complete
  
• Get more life out of batteries you would otherwise throw away - saves money and helps reduce waste
  
• Measures approx. 7”L x 6-1/4”W x 2”H
  
• Weighs approx. 2 lbs.
  
• Model #: RE02
  
• Power Source: Plugs into household wall outlet
  
• UL listed
  
• Made in China
  
• Comes with a manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty

• Accessories Include:
  
• AC adapter
  
• Instruction manual

[E3 wise]

If you want to mark rechargable batteries why not put red nail polish around the middle of the battery, makes it hard to miss.

[jasserEnv]

You can always get a Sharpee pen (spelling) and mark each of the batteries with it. These felt like pens are permanent and come in a number of colors. It would at least allow you to clearly mark the batteries so you don't toss them out. Otherwise, just try switching to all rechargables so you don't have anything to throw out.

[Jessi]

E3 wise, on 11 February 2012 - 07:07 PM, said:

If you want to mark rechargable batteries why not put red nail polish around the middle of the battery, makes it hard to miss.

Yep, this!

jasserEnv, on 11 February 2012 - 08:51 PM, said:

Otherwise, just try switching to all rechargables so you don't have anything to throw out.

This is what we did. It's a little expensive to do all at once, but we just gradually made it so there weren't any batteries to throw away ever. Then there's no confusion or need to distinguish between them at all. Put the rule in place now and make it so you're the only one who can ever throw them away, as you weed out the alkaline ones.

[zararina]

Yes I also think putting marks is the easiest way to make those rechargeable batteries noticeable.
And having only rechargeable batteries is a great idea too.

[Sandra Piddock]

Switching to all rechargeables seems to be the long term answer. Look out for deals on markets and in electrical stores. I know Christmas has come and gone, but we noticed there were lots of really good deals on rechargeable batteries, and chargers ducring November and December. It's the time of year when most items requiring batteries are sold, so the stores put offers on to encourage you to buy more.

In the meantime, as Jessi suggested, either tell the family you will be the one to decide which batteries to throw away, or appoint a 'battery monitor' to take charge of it. Another way to mark the remaining rechargeables is to put a small self-adhesive label somewhere on the battery. You can get some brightly coloured ones, which should stand out.

[MakingCents]

A few ideas to make it easy with the kids:  make a 'battery trash can'  that sits next to their gaming consoles, etc.  Then it's mom or dad's responsibility to actually throw the batteries away or put them on the charger.  Each time you throw a battery away, try to replace it with a rechargeable.  Eventually you'll have all rechargeables and there will be no need to ever throw a battery away.

[mariaandrea]

These are all great suggestions. I actually had the same problem when my kids were little and we still had a mix of batteries - because they're expensive and I couldn't replace them all at once. As soon as I figured out my kids were still throwing batteries away, including rechargeable ones, I made a basket with a big sign that said Dead Batteries and the rule was that ALL batteries went in the basket and mom would sort them. I told them they didn't want to poison animals by throwing batteries away and of course they didn't, so all batteries went in the basket. And, if I'd had the Renu-It Disposable Battery Regenerator I could have recharged the alkaline batteries too. That sounds brilliant. I really need to look into that.

[Jessi]

MakingCents, on 12 February 2012 - 11:51 AM, said:

A few ideas to make it easy with the kids:  make a 'battery trash can'  that sits next to their gaming consoles, etc.  Then it's mom or dad's responsibility to actually throw the batteries away or put them on the charger.  Each time you throw a battery away, try to replace it with a rechargeable.  Eventually you'll have all rechargeables and there will be no need to ever throw a battery away.

That's actually a really good idea, even if you're not trying to weed out the disposables. I find that we end up losing our rechargeables around the house. Or worse, we get the charged and dead ones mixed up, so it's very hit or miss whether we can find charged batteries. Having a little can specifically for "dead" ones would make it a lot easier to keep track of the ones that need to be charged as well.

[MakingCents]

Yeah that recharger that charges even alkaline batteries is pretty cool.  Seems to save a lot of money as regular batteries are cheaper than re-chargeables.

[mariaandrea]

I looked up the Renu-It Disposable Battery Regenerator on Amazon to see what the price is, and it's very reasonable, even less than the charger I have for my rechargeable batteries, but there are several bad reviews all saying the the alkaline batteries charged with this product end up leaking. That would be really bad. And a good way to ruin electronics. I'm a little reluctant to try it out with those kinds of reviews. Think I'll go try and find reviews on other sites as well and hope that someone who has use this will post at some point.

[MakingCents]

Leaking would be bad for sure.  Not only could it damage the devices the batteries are in, which would just creat more waste and more expense but is incredibly dangerous to touch and most young kids don't realize that.

[Jessi]

mariaandrea, on 12 February 2012 - 11:38 PM, said:

I looked up the Renu-It Disposable Battery Regenerator on Amazon to see what the price is, and it's very reasonable, even less than the charger I have for my rechargeable batteries, but there are several bad reviews all saying the the alkaline batteries charged with this product end up leaking. That would be really bad. And a good way to ruin electronics. I'm a little reluctant to try it out with those kinds of reviews. Think I'll go try and find reviews on other sites as well and hope that someone who has use this will post at some point.

I actually used to recharge my alkaline batteries with my regular recharger. I know, I know, it's bad!! You're not supposed to do it, but realistically, just 5 minutes on the charger gave me hours of new life in the batteries, so it was hard to resist. They get super hot, though, in a matter of minutes, and yes, we had some leak occasionally. I think that's just going to happen by design, really, seeing as how you're not supposed to be able to recharge them anyway.