Batteries, could they reduce the e-waste stream?

Yes they can! One of the smallest components of your electric products can offer important long-term environmental benefits just by making them rechargeable or easily replaceable.
In this mass consumption culture the people will use electric products for a longer period if the batteries were easily replaceable. Even better are rechargeable batteries, they have a higher initial cost but eventually it can pay back to use them.

Moreover, the governments support this idea. In the USA the U.S. congress passed 'the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery act'. Many products are thrown away on a landfill without the consumer removing the battery. The heavy metals contained in batteries and electronic devices can enter the nature through smokestack emissions or incinerator ash. This law obliges the producent that the battery should be easily removable so it could be recycled.
In my opinion it doesn't stop here, the institutional organisations should stimulate the consumer to recycle and inform them concerning the impact of their usage habits.
ECN, Taking batteries green

Stef De Visscher