How to Store NiMH Batteries

Safely store NiHM Batteries and prolong their life.

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are widely used in consumer electronics, as well as plug-in and alternative energy vehicles like hybrid and electric cars. While NiMH batteries may not be as potentially toxic as others like nickel cadmium (NiCd), they still need special care in either recycling or storage. How they are stored depends on how long they will remain dormant. Still, they need to be kept in a place where the temperature is constant, but NiMH handling also depends slightly on brand.

Instructions

1. Find a place that where the temperature and humidity will be constant. This could be a locker or a closet, but a freezer is an ideal solution. The temperature around NiMH battery should never sharply fluctuate, and heat should never rise over 35 degrees Celsius, for most batteries. Panasonic NiMH should not go over 30 degrees. A freezer would be ideal for any brand, however, because NiMH batteries self-discharge at a lower rate in colder temperatures.

2. Clear out a space in your freezer.

3. Place the batteries into a zipper-storage bag.

4. Place the batteries in the freezer area you cleared out in Step 2.

5. Shut the freezer door.

References

• Power Stream: Battery Storage Recommendations
• Green Batteries: Frequently Asked Questions about NiMH

Resources

• REUK: Keep Rechargeable Batteries in Freezer