It is intuitive to think that rechargeable batteries are clearly better than disposable ones because we will be able to recharge batteries hundreds of times before throwing them away. However, this issue is not as black and white. This is because of the difference in chemical composition between the two. Unlike non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries use cobalt and nickel. Both of which are not abundant minerals. Mining these minerals causes a lot of environmental impacts. However, according to researchers, rechargeable batteries are still better for the environment if you are using them to their full potential.