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Step 1
Use rechargeable batteries. One sure fire way to save money on batteries is to use a rechargeable battery system that you can find in most hardware and discount stores. You can buy complete sets that include AA, AAA and D batteries for just over $50 at stores like Costco.
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Step 2
Buy a battery tester and check the power level of any batteries you have on hand before tossing them. Battery testers are available from Radio Shack for less than $10
This will help prevent good batteries from ending up in the trash just because the look old. Mark good batteries with a Sharpie. You can use a system to show how much power the battery contains, such as "G" for good and "F" for fair so you can decide what devices you can use them in. -
Step 3
Re-use old batteries in other devices. Another way to save on batteries is to keep those that are no longer strong enough to run devices such as portable DVD players but still may contain enough energy to power things that draw a small amount of current like remote controls. Using your batter tester check those that you remove from high current drawing devices like motorized toys. If they are in the yellow zone they will still work in remote controls. If you don't have a battery tester place them in the remote and see if it operates the TV or other device. Chances are that they will last for several months.
Comments
Susanh said
on 2/2/2009 The rechargeable batteries have worked out well for us. Good ideas on how to save money on batteries.