MONROE, LA - In today's world mobile technology has rewritten the rules.  Work and play can be wherever you want.  Rechargeable batteries make it all possible. 

Some say you can save money by switching from disposable to rechargeable batteries.  We decided to test the claim.  A lot of people like to listen to music while they work out, so the test was conducted at the gym.  A pack of 4 AA batteries costs about $3.  A charger and a pack of rechargeable batteries will set you back about $20. 

Average gym users told us they go through a set of batteries about once a month.  Of course, that varies according to how long they listen.  But at that rate they'd be spending about $36 a year on batteries.  Rechargeable batteries would pay for themselves in less than seven months.  Manufacturers claim rechargeable batteries can be recharged thousands of times.  At the end of that long lifespan they will eventually die.  When they do they need to be properly recycled.  Recycling programs are pretty easy to find.  Most major electronic stores have them in place or can steer you in the right direction. 

Science & Technology Magazine says rechargeable batteries have 32 times less impact on the environment.  The cost for recharging a battery is pretty low.  Its estimated to be about $ 0.02 a recharge. 

For more on rechargeable batteries visit www.rbrc.org