Well, I'll say again that I have been recharging 'non-rechargable batteries for yonks, and I've had no problems whatsoever. As John says they have a much greater capacity than rechargables and so are much better when you're away from the mains.

I only buy good quality batteries. I think you're much more likely to get accidents with cheaper ones.

The number of recharges you get depends on how far you run them down. A torch (flashlight) will run a battery down to nothing, whereas my pda needs a certain current to work. So I can start the batteries in my pda and finish them off in a torch or bike light or tv remote.

But you do need the proper sort of charger. Don't but non-rechargeable batteries in a regular charger.