Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)

The main difference between this battery and the NiCd battery is the metal hydride used instead of  cadmium. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are also available in the standard cylindrical sizes. These batteries also have two to three times the capacity of a nickel cadmium, and memory effect is not as significant. Memory effect is when a battery’s maximum energy capacity gradually decreases as a result of being recharged before the battery has completely discharged.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are commonly used in high-discharge devices like portable power tools, digital cameras, cell phones and laptops. They are considered non-hazardous waste, but do contain elements that can be recycled. The individual materials of the batteries are mechanically separated, and a high nickel content is produced and used in the manufacture of stainless steel.