Blog / ESG VMI Stops Using Disposable AA Batteries 16th August 2021 — by Barry Bassett We all know that disposable batteries are extremely harmful for our environment and for a long time, we have been keen to eradicate them from VMI but did not have sufficient confidence in rechargables to be able to commit. We felt compelled to continue using alkaline batteries simply to give us confidence that batteries would always be fully charged when we supplied radio mics and lockit boxes, however better rechargeable AA batteries and specifically, better chargers have now made this transition possible. In testing our new multi-way bench chargers, I charged some of my privately owned AA rechargeables that I continue to use for powering bicycle lights and some of these actually failed the performance test (capacity was not strong enough to pass muster) , which really engenders confidence in the fully charged status. VMI now supplies a 4 x 2000mAH rechargeable AA battery kit as a more sustainable alternative to using disposable AA batteries and will charge a one-off ‘environmental charge’ of £3, irrespective of the duration of hire. Clients are welcome to use their own batteries and we won’t make any charge at all. We estimate that this simple initiative will save around 1,500 AA batteries from being disposed every year. Barry Bassett, Managing Director, VMI.TV Ltd Whilst all rental companies continue to be in competition with each other, we have shared our findings openly, so that all hire companies can eradicate using wasteful single-use batteries which are so harmful for our planet.