People who stockpile batteries for emergencies risk chemical leakage if they use them past their expiry date, consumer group Which? has warned. Many people do not realise that batteries have an expiry date, which typically falls after 10 to 15 years, but the lifespan varies by type and manufacturer.
Check the pack for expiry dates
Which? advises always checking the battery pack, noting that "batteries can last for many years in storage, but their lifespan varies depending on the type and manufacturer." Callum Pears, Which? senior researcher, said: "Expiry dates vary, but battery manufacturers typically put a production and expiry date on the box."
He added that Duracell Plus AA and AAA batteries are alkaline options with a 10-year expiry date. Pears recommends lithium disposable batteries for emergency storage, as they "can be reliably stored for upwards of 15 years with a much lower risk of chemical leakage."
Leakage can damage devices
Using batteries after their expiry date risks chemical leakage, according to the Which? expert. He explained that "the electrolyte or other internal chemicals" can ooze out, and if this happens while the battery is inside a device, it can damage that device.
When disposing of dead batteries, Which? notes they can be recycled in several ways, and consumers can find local recycling points.
Storage and disposal advice
Duracell experts recommend several storage practices: use the correct size and type of battery, keep contacts clean with a pencil eraser or rough cloth, remove batteries from devices not used for months or powered by AC current, and insert batteries with + and – terminals correctly aligned. They caution that some equipment with more than three batteries may appear to work even if one is inserted incorrectly.
Extreme temperatures reduce battery performance, so batteries should be stored in a dry place at normal room temperature. Refrigerating Duracell batteries will not make them last longer, and very warm places should be avoided. Rechargeable batteries should only be recharged if marked "rechargeable," and depleted batteries or those exposed to high temperatures may leak, with a crystalline structure forming outside.
Duracell adds that rechargeable lithium, lithium ion, and zinc-air batteries should be recycled, including those in household items like cameras, cell phones, laptops, and power tools. Car batteries containing lead should be taken to waste-management centers, and many auto retailers buy back used car batteries for recycling.
