Single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries

In Germany, around 65,000 tons of portable batteries are placed on the market every year. And the battery market is constantly growing, as more and more everyday appliances can be used independently of the power grid. When selecting the battery to be used, you should always pay attention to quality and tested safety, as faulty single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries can damage appliances. In the worst case, this can even lead to fires or explosions.

What is the difference between single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries?

A distinction is made between "non-rechargeable" batteries, known as primary batteries, and "rechargeable" accumulators (rechargeable batteries), known as secondary batteries.

Compared to batteries, rechargeable batteries have the great advantage that they do not have to be disposed of after use, but can be used again and again if handled correctly. Rechargeable batteries are worthwhile for appliances that consume a lot of power or that you use very frequently.

Please note that non-rechargeable batteries and battery cells are prescribed for appliances. This includes, for example, older appliances that require a voltage of 1.5 volts for proper operation, provided by alkaline manganese battery cells, for example. These include analog cameras, blood pressure monitors and remote controls. Rechargeable secondary batteries and battery cells (accumulators) usually only reach a nominal voltage of around 1.2 volts, provided by nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery cells, for example.

Tips on the proper handling of single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries

How do I handle single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries correctly?

Correct use is important to ensure that single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries continue to function for a long time.

In general, you should pay attention to safety and quality marks when buying single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries. It is also advisable to pay attention to the safety and warning notices on single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries. Even though single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries are only one component of an appliance, we recommend paying special attention to them and handling them properly.

The VDE Institute tests and certifies portable batteries, which are used, for example, in computers and laptops, consumer electronics, gardening equipment and power tools.

Only ever use batteries with the same type designation in an appliance. Otherwise, the batteries may malfunction and the overall capacity may be reduced. Therefore, when purchasing batteries, make sure you have the correct type designation. Common designations are Mignon (PV, LR6), Micro (PV, LR03), Baby (C, LR14), Mono (D, LR20) and 9 V block (6LR61). Batteries also have an expiry date. It is always worth taking a look at the packaging or the battery itself, as manufacturers only guarantee perfect function and performance up to this date. Once batteries have used up most of their energy after a long period of use, they can usually still be used for a while in remote controls or watches.

Single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries do not like temperature extremes. Therefore, avoid excessive heat or cold.

Make sure that you always replace all the batteries in an appliance at the same time. Partially discharged batteries drain energy from a fresh one. This also increases the risk of leakage. Remove the batteries if you are not going to use an appliance for a long time. Some appliances also consume power when switched off and can therefore discharge the battery. As a result, they can leak and damage the appliance.

This recommendation also applies to rechargeable batteries. When not in use, rechargeable batteries discharge slightly and more quickly than conventional batteries. Therefore, do not leave charged rechargeable batteries unused. If the appliance is not used for several months, remove the rechargeable batteries from the appliance and store them in a dry and dark place at room ambient temperature.

What should I do if batteries leak?

If a battery leaks, always wear gloves when removing it from the appliance. Avoid direct skin contact and oral ingestion at all costs. You can prevent batteries from leaking by removing them completely from appliances if they are not to be used for a prolonged period of time.

How do I charge my battery correctly?

As a rule of thumb, the battery level should not be below 20 percent or above 90 percent. It is best to charge the battery immediately before planned use. Charging a battery without using it soon afterwards should be avoided. If there is a long time between charging and use, the battery can partially discharge itself. As a result, the battery will not last long during use.

A very persistent rumor says that charging batteries quickly would impair their capacity. However, there are now many empirical values that cannot substantiate this statement. Fast charging actually has hardly any effect.

When choosing a charger, you should make sure that it is suitable for the respective size and type, as otherwise the appliance can become a safety risk. This can also reduce the service life of the batteries. It is important that the charger stops the charging process when the recommended end-of-charge voltage is reached. The higher the charging current, the shorter the charging time required.

How are rechargeable batteries and single-use batteries disposed of?

At the end of their service life, used single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries should never be disposed of with household waste.

Consumers are legally obliged to dispose of used single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries in collection boxes in shops, which are available wherever single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries are sold. Local authorities also take back used single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries, for example at recycling centers. Separate collection not only keeps harmful substances out of household waste and the environment, but also enables the recovery of valuable materials such as iron, zinc and nickel.

Find out more about the proper disposal of electronic waste.

Lithium-ion batteries: indispensable, but still viewed with suspicion

Lithium-Batterie-Pack für Elektroautos und Stromanschlüsse

xiaoliangge / stock.adobe.com

The share of lithium-ion batteries in the battery market is growing every year and now accounts for the largest share. They are usually the main source of energy for electric mobility in e-cars, e-bikes, pedelecs and e-scooters. However, they can also be found in notebooks, smartphones, consumer and household electronics, toys and tools. If a product already contains an integrated rechargeable battery, it is most likely a lithium-ion battery.

Lithium-containing single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries have many advantages over older technology single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries. They are characterized in particular by a barely noticeable self-discharge at normal room ambient temperatures, a long service life and a high energy density. This means that they can store a lot of electricity in a very compact design. Lithium-ion batteries are therefore used in appliances that have high energy requirements, such as e-bikes, laptops and power tools.

However, despite this revolution in the battery market, there is still a lot of suspicion and skepticism about lithium-ion batteries. This is probably due to the fact that there were repeated headlines about exploding batteries and fires caused by them, especially during the development phase.

Proper handling of lithium-ion batteries is essential to minimize these dangers. So take our safety tips to heart:

Only use chargers and charging cables that are designed for the battery or appliance in question.
If possible, charge your appliances in a place with a smoke or fire alarm and make sure that there are no flammable materials or objects in the immediate vicinity.
Stay close by when charging and do not charge while you are asleep.
Avoid complete discharging and charging.
Protect lithium-ion batteries from mechanical damage (impacts, knocks, dropping).
Do not continue to use damaged or deformed lithium-containing single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries and, if possible, remove them from the corresponding appliance and dispose of them (please do not dispose of them in household waste, but at a collection point, e.g. at a retailer or recycling center). Find out more about the proper disposal of electronic waste.
Do not store or charge lithium-ion batteries outdoors, in damp rooms or in places where very high or very low temperatures are to be expected (e.g. in a garden shed). Temperature extremes also reduce the service life.
In the event of a fire, call the fire department and inform them that a lithium-ion battery is on fire. Keep your distance, as highly irritating, corrosive and toxic vapors and substances can be produced.

Exclusion of liability/disclaimer

VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V. and its affiliated companies (hereinafter each “VDE”) provide non-binding information on consumer protection topics. These publications are intended solely to raise general awareness of consumer protection in relation to electrotechnical products and issues. They expressly do not constitute professional or technical advice. The information is provided the best of one's knowledge and belief without having evaluated the actual conditions at a specific location or of a specific product.

While VDE makes every reasonable effort to ensure that the information is correct and complete, it cannot assume liability nor any warranty (neither explicitly nor implicitly) for the correctness, completeness or topicality of the content of the information provided.

The information may only be applied with the understanding that VDE cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage or loss of any kind. The use of the information provided does not release the user from the responsibility for his/her own actions and is therefore at his/her own risk.

Product-/Model-specific manufacturer specifications must be observed.