How to Store Single Use Batteries Safely at Home

One thing that I want to bring to your attention is how you should be storing common, everyday batteries (primary, single use) at home. Why is this important? Because improper storage of your regular household batteries can be dangerous.

A few years ago a friend told me this story:

They experienced a damaging fire in their home.

The cause?

Improperly stored batteries.

Like many people, they had a container for batteries in their linen closet. They would just toss batteries in there and pull out the ones they need. What they found out (the hard way) was that you should always store batteries with the positive and negative contacts away from each other – they should NOT touch.

If you have loose batteries rolling around in your junk drawer or boxes full of random batteries floating around your home, here are some suggestions on how to fix the situation.

How to Store Batteries the Right Way

Big battery companies, like Duracell, recommend that you store batteries in their original packaging. This keeps each battery separated from another. This certainly works when you buy a new package of batteries – but we all know what happens as you start to use them up – the remaining batteries move around.

The same thing happens when you store batteries in plastic storage bins – they also slide around and you risk having the contacts touch.

Recently, when I completed my linen closet organization project, I decided that the best solution, for me, was to buy containers specifically designed for battery storage. They come in all different sizes and configurations, so it is easy to find something that will fit both your battery collection and your space.

Important Battery Storage Case Features

There are tons of battery storage cases out there for you to choose from, so I want to give you a few things to consider to help you make the right choice.

Number of Batteries

Obviously, you will need a case that will comfortably hold the batteries that you own with a little extra space for batteries that you might buy.

Battery Sizes

My favorite battery organizers have a sponge insert with openings sized for each individual battery. You simply slide each battery into it’s respective opening, and it stays put. However, this does limit the number of each size of battery that will fit in the case.

For example, if you have a large number of AAA batteries and very few C batteries, you should choose a case that has lots of AAA slots.

Basically, you will need to evaluate your “battery habits” if that is actually a thing and choose a case that can accomodate the types of batteries that you typically buy.

Storage Location

When choosing a battery storage case, you should also think about where, in your home, you plan to keep it. Most cases will easily fit in a drawer or on a closet shelf, but there are organizers that you can hang on a wall, if that is better for your situation

Weight When Full

One thing that you might not think about, is that a case full of batteries can get quite heavy. If you plan to store your battery organizer in a drawer or on a high shelf, a large, heavy box of batteries might not work in that space. Instead, you might consider using two or more smaller cases to hold your collection.

Small Battery Storage Boxes

If you don’t have a lot of batteries this battery storage box organizer is a nice idea.

It holds 34 batteries of various sizes and has a sponge insert to keep the batteries separated. The case zips closed and will fit easily into a closet or drawer. It is also good for travel and small spaces.

However, I tend to buy batteries in bulk at Costco, so this box is a little small for my needs.

Medium Battery Storage Case

This medium sized battery storage case holds 80 batteries of varying sizes and is more along the lines of what works for my family. It has a sponge insert to keep the batteries separate and comes with a battery tester. It also accommodates a good mix of different battery sizes.

Large Battery Storage Case

On the large end of the spectrum is this battery storage case. It is double sided and holds a whopping 269 batteries. It is perfect for large families or hobbyists that use many batteries in their equipment.

This case comes with a battery tester which is nice for measuring whether a battery has a charge or not.

Single Sized Battery Storage

If you tend to buy a lot of AA and AAA batteries, then this battery storage box might be the right one for you. Older game controllers, computer mice and keyboards, photography equipment, etc all are AA and AAA battery hogs.

A Battery Storage Case Is A Great Organization Tool

When it comes to battery storage cases, you have tons of options! Not only will using a case to store your batteries keep you safer but it will also keep you more organized.

Whenever you need a battery, you will know exactly where to go to find it. And, with a single glance, you will know if you are running low on a particular size of battery – so you can add that to your shopping list.

If you store your flashlights or lanterns near your battery box, you will have everything you need in case of an emergency power outage.

To choose the right one for you, keep the following points in mind:

• The battery storage container should be designed to keep the positive and negative battery contacts from touching each other.
• It should be large enough to fit the number of batteries that you usually have on hand. You can store unopened packages of batteries in their original packaging and then move them to the battery storage box once you open the pack.
• The box or case should fit in the space that you have and be easily accessible – so that you actually use it.
• Pay attention to the weight. Large, full battery cases can become too heavy to handle easily.

Respect the Power and Be Safe

The bottom line is that batteries are powerful – pun totally intended. As a consumer, you need to respect that power and take steps to store your batteries responsibly. Read through the lists of do’s and don’ts from the battery manufacturers.

Store your batteries in either their original packaging or buy some battery storage boxes for safety.

Also, remember to recycle your batteries when they are all used up. Most recycling centers do take alkaline batteries – you can check with yours. You can check out The Battery Network for guidelines on different types of batteries and recycling information by state as well.