Alkaline and Lithium Batteries

Frequently Asked Questions about Alkaline and Lithium Batteries

How is a lithium battery different from an alkaline battery?
The difference between alkaline and lithium batteries is that the battery chemistry and construction differ in the two systems. Since lithium is a very active material, it provides a great deal of power relative to the amount of material used in a battery. The lithium discharge curve is longer and flatter than alkaline, providing a consistently higher voltage throughout the life of the battery.

How do you dispose of alkaline or lithium household batteries?
These batteries can be safely disposed of with your regular trash. The use of mercury was phased out of use with alkaline batteries, meaning they aren't nearly so toxic when disposed in landfills. A few communities do have different disposal requirements and offer recycling or collection of used batteries, so contact your local government for other options.

Can you mix different brands of batteries?
You shouldn't mix different brands of batteries. Not all batteries are made to the same specification, so the chemistry and voltages can vary across both battery brands and types. For best results, replace all batteries with the same brand, chemistry, voltage, and size whenever you need to use new batteries.