Energy...

Have you ever used a rechargeable battery so many times it stops holding a charge? It happens. Even the best rechargeable batteries are only good for so many uses. And yes, when they're dead it's time to throw them out -- or turn them in for recycling.

Some communities have programs for recycling batteries, but not everyone knows how to use them, or where to find them. The best way to find the options nearest to you is the Call2Recycle program from the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. By calling 800-8-BATTERY or using their web site, you can find the nearest battery or cellphone recycling program. I found two locations less than a mile from my house, neither of which I knew took batteries for recycling!

The site also contains great tips on getting the most use out of your rechargeable batteries, and a fun guide to finding all of the batteries in your house. (Remember, we're not just talking about AA batteries here, but batteries for laptops, cellphones, power tools, toys and more!). 

So give it a try and let's keep those batteries from ending up in a landfill!