h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Some batteries contain toxic metals such as mercury - by using rechargeable batteries you not only reduce garbage but prevent these toxic metals from being released into the environment. Failing that - buy batteries with reduced amounts of toxic metals.

In Germany, there are separate boxes/bins for old batteries. These are then disposed of separately. All shops which sell batteries are also obliged to take back empty ones. This is especially important for the small button shaped batteries, which can easily be picked up if thrown carelessly away - or even eaten by animals or children.

Batteries should never go in the normal rubbish.

Car batteries : When you buy a car battery in Germany you pay a deposit for the disposal of it which is refunded when you return it to a dealer.

I find rechargeables a bit of a bind, and try to buy "green" batteries. Rechargeables only last for one tape in your walkman.

The rechargable batteries I use seem to last longer than just a single tape in the walkman.