Batteries contain heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel. Household batteries, especially alkaline and button batteries, are the single largest source of mercury in our trash. Why should we care?

• Mercury is highly toxic. Long-term exposure can permanently damage the brain, kidneys and fetuses, according to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

For Your Shopping List

• Minimize your use of batteries overall by choosing appliances, equipment and toys that will run on electricity, solar power or rechargeable batteries.

• Buy rechargeable batteries. Green Batteries offers many different types of rechargeable batteries, rechargers, and other accessories. Solio recharges batteries using power from the sun. USB Cell makes AAA batteries that recharge in your computer.

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) can help you recycle your used portable rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys.

Battery Solutions, Inc. provides downloadable instructions so you can recycle a wide variety of batteries, including those found in cell phones, laptop computers, flashlights, cameras, watches, hearing aids, toys, two way radios, electric tools, clocks, and other electronic devices.

If you want to recycle your batteries closer to home, Earth 911 can help you find a place nearby.

Want more information? Visit the Batteries page of our sister site, TheWorldWomenWant.com.