We all know that cell phone batteries don’t last forever. For the average user this translates into a lifespan of about one and a half to three years or even more in some instances. In addition, how you care for your cell phone batteries can affect performance between charges. Since everyone of course wants their batteries to last a long time and achieve maximum performance, here are five great ways to help you protect and get the most use out of your cell phone batteries.

1. Try not to let your cell phone batteries lie dormant for long periods of time without charging. If you don’t plan on using it for more than a month, it is recommended that you remove it from the device and store it in a clean, cool, dry place. Note that the battery is still losing its charge and life even when not in use. If you haven’t charged it in awhile, you should break it in again. In some cases if you haven’t used it in a very long time you may even find the battery won’t charge again and you’ll have to buy another.
2. Li-Ion batteries do not have a memory effect. This means after the first couple of charge cycles you don’t have to let them drain all the way before recharging again. If you have a Ni-MH or Ni-CD cell phone battery however, then you should fully charge and discharge it at least once every two to three weeks. Failure to do this can shorten the battery life significantly.
3. Remember a cool place is better for a battery than a warm place.
4. Do not store or place your cell phone battery near a fire or area of extreme heat. Not only can this affect the performance of the battery later, but it could even explode. Never incinerate a battery.
5. Do not let the battery get exposed to water (including rain and moisture).

When your cell phone battery does die, be sure to dispose of it properly. You can recycle it by going to Call2Recycle at RBRC.org. If you plan to still use your cell phone, you simply need to get a new battery. By purchasing a new cell phone battery you’ll not only save money since you won’t be buying a new phone, but you’ll also keep that phone out of the landfill that much longer. You can get your cell phone batteries at Infinity Batteries, where you can find one of the largest selections of cell phone batteries at great prices. 1% of sales are also donated to nonprofit environmental organizations.