Not too long ago, most small electronics ran on batteries. While many are now charged with cables and cords, we still need batteries for things like TV remotes and kids’ toys. But batteries, especially single-use ones, are harmful to us and the environment–from the materials mined to make them, to the air, water, and soil pollution that occurs as they decompose.

Here are three reasons to switch to rechargeable batteries:

• Cost-Effective – Why buy something again and again if you can just buy it once? I have Panasonic’s Eneloop AA Batteries which are rechargeable up to 2100 times! There are several well-known brands such as Energizer and Duracell that sell rechargeable batteries.
• Much better for the Earth – A 2013 study found that rechargeable batteries have up to 32 times less impact on the environment than rechargeable batteries and create significantly less waste.
• Easier to recycle – With a 99% reclamation rate, batteries are the #1 most recycled item in the U.S. Just drop them at stores such as Staples, Best Buy, Radio Shack, Home Depot, Lowe’s, or RadioShack. BUT most will only accept rechargeable batteries – an added incentive to make the switch.

Whichever kind you use, make sure to recycle them. In some states it’s actually illegal to throw them away. Why? It’s dangerous. When put in the garbage, they can overheat and cause fires or even explode in the trash, a garbage truck, or in a landfill. Also, when damaged or crushed they leak toxic chemicals into the environment.