Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries can now be used for almost any purpose except certain sensitive electronic devices or situations where longevity is critical, such as emergency equipment. The technology has improved.
Our battery cut sheet (updated Aug. 2022) identifies best-performing product names for AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V rechargeable batteries. For background information on rechargeable batteries, see RPN's 2016 report.
Manufacturer(s)
Vendor(s)
When to Use
Can replace alkaline batteries for almost any purpose, including low-drain devices (e.g., remote controls, flashlights) and high-drain electronic devices (e.g., digital cameras). Not for equipment that needs a voltage higher than 1.2V, or for emergency equipment (e.g., medical devices). Previous generations of NiMH rechargeables were less ideal for very low-drain devices like clocks; however, the new low self-discharge batteries have improved dramatically.
Type
Cost Savings
Relative costs of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries
Exact cost comparisons between alkaline single-use batteries and NiMH rechargeable batteries are extremely challenging because of the range of variables involved. However, the State of Missouri Recycling Program makes the following cost estimates for AA batteries:
Assumptions (from state contract prices):
- $1.52/4 pack for alkaline batteries
- $14.50 for 2 4-packs of rechargeable NiMH batteries (1 set in use, 1 recharging), $30.46 for charger
Total costs:
- 300 uses: $456 for non-rechargeable, $44.96 for rechargeable
- 1000 uses: $1,520 for nonrechargeable, $44.96 for rechargeable
Info on this product category: Batteries
Why Go Green
All used batteries - whether rechargeable or not - must be recycled, not disposed in the trash. Because one rechargeable battery can replace hundreds of non-rechargeables, the waste impact is reduced dramatically. Older nickel-cadmium rechargeables - still sometimes found in power tools - have considerably more toxic heavy metals.
Criteria for Batteries
AA Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries:
- Minimum 2000 mAh capacity
- Low self-discharge (LSD): Maintains a minimum of 80% capacity after 1 year in storage, or 75% after 3 years in storage
AAA Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries:
- Minimum 800 mAh capacity
- Low Self-Discharge: Maintains a minimum of 80% capacity after 1 year storage, or 75% after 3 years storage
D Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries:
- Minimum 8000 mAh capacity
- Low Self-Discharge: Maintains a minimum of 80% capacity after 1 year in storage, or 75% after 3 years in storage
Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries are acceptable for precision electronic equipment that is voltage sensitive, for emergency use equipment, or for other applications requiring longevity and slow power drain.
Recycling
- Vendors that have contracts to sell batteries to the City must collect and recycle them free of charge.
Last updated
Reports
Charging Ahead: How to Find Powerful Rechargeable Batteries that Go On and On. 2016. A Report by the Responsible Purchasing Network to the San Francisco Department of the Environment recommending specifications for AA, AAA and D-sized rechargeable batteries for San Francisco’s SF Approved Program.
View the report and the spreadsheet summary of products (Appendix C).
Guide for City Staff
Recycling Instructions
Vendors that have contracts to sell batteries to the City must collect and recycle them free of charge. You can get free bins from the current City contracted office supply vendor.
Or get signs and bins and pay San Francisco Department of Public Health to pickup batteries and other toxic wastes that are not allowed in the trash.
Citywide Contract
Ask any of the following approved vendors for these product names for AAA, AA, and D cells:
- SF Battery Solutions
- See discounted prices from vendors in the most recent Electrical Materials, Supplies and Fixtures Contract Award or Industrial Supplies Contract Award.
- Login to Staples. (Can't login? Email oca@sfgov.org). Then buy these NiMH AAA and AA rechargeables.
SF APPROVED is published by San Francisco Environment Department.
All contents © 2022 SF Environment. All rights reserved.
These low self-discharge, high capacity batteries are best choice for replacing disposable alkaline household ones (such as AAA, AA, or D cells). They can be used with standard NiMH chargers.
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Product Reviews
great rechargeables
Product is good except we did not have a lot purchase. Still needs to educated staffs not to throw away Rechargeable.
EBL brand NiMh batteries
I have over 100 towel dispensers at City Hall. It's been a month and I have not had to replace or re-charge them yet on my dispensers, saving a lot labor and time from my staff. I got them from the City approved vendor, sfbatterysolutions.com 415.295.6254.