The Earth911 Rechargeable Battery Recycling Guide: NiCd and NiMH Batteries

"Rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are used in cordless phones, power tools, electric toothbrushes, cordless vacuums, and many other household devices. Unlike single-use alkaline batteries, these rechargeable types have valuable materials inside. NiCd batteries also contain hazardous substances, so recycling them is not only smart but also required by law in many states. The Battery Network (formerly known as Call2Recycle) reports that over 5.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries were collected for recycling in the U.S. in 2023. Since 2001, The Home Depot has helped recycle more than 17 million pounds through this program."

"NiCd batteries, invented in 1899, were the first rechargeable batteries widely used in consumer devices. They are very durable, can last for up to 3,000 charge cycles, and work well in extreme temperatures and high-drain uses. Still used in some power tools, emergency lighting, and industrial applications. Cadmium is highly toxic and can seriously harm the environment if NiCd batteries end up in landfills. When cadmium gets into soil and water, it builds up in the food chain and can harm people's health, including raising the risk of cancer and kidney damage."

Rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries power cordless phones, power tools, electric toothbrushes, cordless vacuums, and many other household devices. The Battery Network reported over 5.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries collected for recycling in the U.S. in 2023, and The Home Depot has helped recycle more than 17 million pounds since 2001. NiCd batteries, invented in 1899, are durable, can last up to 3,000 charge cycles, perform well in extreme temperatures and high-drain uses, but contain toxic cadmium and are subject to a memory effect. NiMH batteries, adopted widely in the 1990s, store two to three times more energy than NiCd, lack toxic cadmium, and typically provide 500–2,000 charge cycles.

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