You should be careful to store your batteries correctly, as incorrect storage can cause the batteries to leak, discharge them, or, in the worst case, a short circuit with subsequent fire hazard. Therefore, use our tips on storing batteries to avoid these dangers.
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Ways to store batteries correctly
1. It is best to leave the batteries in their original packaging
If you have purchased new batteries and do not need them immediately, please leave them in their original packaging for as long as possible. The advantage of the original packaging is that you are safe from environmental influences, such as humidity.
It can also lead to discharges or a short circuitwhen batteries touch your poles or come into contact with other metal objects.
The storage of batteries in a metal can is not recommended for this reason either.
The SWR has also conducted a battery test and shows that cheap batteries from Aldi and Co are by no means the worst choice:
2. Disconnect the batteries cleanly from each other
If you want to store batteries properly, not only the packaging is crucial, but also a certain order is part of it. Disconnect old and new batteries. It is best to note the date of sale on the packaging.
You should also store batteries from different manufacturers in separate containers. In the worst case, this can also lead to a short circuit and there is an acute fire risk.
If the batteries are empty, don’t throw them in the trash! Batteries contain heavy metals, which are a major burden on the environment. Due to the correct disposal and subsequent recycling, many components of the battery can be reused.
In most supermarkets you have the possibility to dispose of batteries. So simply put the empty batteries in your shopping bag and dispose of them at the next trip to the store.
3. Store batteries in the refrigerator
Since batteries lying around unused dry out faster, you should store them properly. Also, if you are not using a device such as the camera for a while, you should remove the batteries. On the one hand, this protects the battery from discharge and the device from a possible leakage of the battery.
To protect them from leakage and dehydration, it is best to store the batteries in the refrigerator. Batteries like it most at slightly cooler temperatures and last twice as long in the refrigerator. However, make sure that you pack the batteries in such a way that no condensation can form.
Therefore, never leave devices with batteries or batteries in the sun or in the warm car.
4. Avoid deep discharge
In principle, you must be aware that incorrect storage, charging and discharging can significantly affect the life of a battery or battery.
For batteries, it’s important to remember that you can destroy them with a deep discharge. If you don’t want to use batteries for quite a while, you should still charge them once in between to avoid deep discharge. Batteries lose up to 15-25% energy per month.
Electricity from a battery is by the way, the most expensive electricity there is. Although a single battery costs only 1 euro.
5. Alternatives to batteries: For a greener environment
Batteries are extremely harmful to the environment due to their ingredients. Moreover, not everyone disposes of them on the right way, so that the recyclable raw materials cannot be used at all. However, for many everyday items, you can switch to better alternatives.
For example, use rechargeable batteriesthat make it unnecessary to throw away. For devices that you don’t move, it’s a good way to connect them to the power simply by cable.
If you buy a new electrical item with batteries, find out in advance if there are alternatives with a battery. Batteries are much more durable today than conventional batteries.
By the way, lithium-ion batteries are installed in most utility items with a battery. Lithium-ion batteries are also among the most effective batteries.
