| Alkaline and Carbon-Zinc |
- Single-use
- Used in alarm clocks, calculators, flashlights, remote controls, radios, and children's toys
- Include 9-volt, AA, AAA, C, D, and some button cells
- FYI: What’s the difference? Different chemical systems. In general, alkaline batteries are more powerful and last longer in high drain devices. Carbon-Zinc batteries are better for low drain applications and are less expensive.
|
| Button and Coin |
- Button batteries - single-use; coin batteries - rechargeable
- Used in watches, calculators, keyless entry systems, hearing aids, laser pointers, glucometers, and LED accessories
- Tiny, shiny, round, silver-colored
- Button batteries - varying chemistries including silver oxide, alkaline, lithium, and zinc air; coin batteries - alkaline or lithium
- FYI: These small batteries can cause serious injuries if swallowed. Learn more here.
|
| Lithium (Li) Metal |
- Single-use
- Used in cameras, watches, remote controls, and handheld games
- Include AA, AAA, and 9-volt
- FYI: Lithium metal batteries are difficult to distinguish from common alkaline batteries but may have specialized shapes (e.g., button, coin). To identify, look for the word “lithium” on the battery.
|
Lithium-Ion
(Li-Ion) |
- Rechargeable
- Used in cell phones, power tools, cameras, laptops, toys, e-cigarettes, appliances, tablets, and e-readers
- FYI: Storing a large amount of energy in a small space, li-ion batteries are more easily damaged and volatile than other batteries. If improperly charged, stored, disposed of, or damaged, li-ion batteries can catch fire or explode. Learn more here.
|
| Lithium Polymer (LiPo) |
- Rechargeable
- Used in remote control devices (e.g., airplanes, cars, drones) where weight is a factor
|
| Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) |
- Rechargeable
- Used in cordless power tools, remote control airplanes, cars and boats, photographic equipment, flashlights, and toys
- Include AAA, C, D, and several multi-cell sizes equivalent to 9-volt
|
|
Nickel Metal Hydride
(Ni-MH)
|
- Rechargeable
- Used in cell phones, power tools, cameras, and two-way radios
- Include AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, and specialty sizes
|
Nickel-Zinc
(Ni-Zn) |
- Rechargeable
- Used in cameras, wireless keyboards, and other small electronics
- Include AA and C
|
| Small Sealed Lead Acid (Pb) |
- Rechargeable
- Used in mobility scooters, children’s toy cars, emergency lighting, and hospital equipment
- Most commonly 12-volt
|
