primary battery shelf-life

A "primary battery" is one that cannot be recharged, and is intended to be used once only.

The shelf-life of various battery chemistries:

• carbon-zinc AA/AAA batteries — 3 to 5 years
• alkaline AA/AAA batteries — 5 to 10 years
• lithium AA/AAA batteries — 10 to 15 years

Regarding storage temperature, most battery manufacturers recommend AGAINST storing in a refrigerator or freezer, but that can be an over-simplification.

Some factors to consider:

• Some refrigerator environments are moist, and moisture will definitely lead to rust and a reduced lifetime. Store them in a sealed plastic bag.
• Batteries will discharge faster if you use them immediately after removing them from the cold. Allow them to warm up for a few hours, if possible.
• Zinc-carbon batteries are best if stored at 40 to 50 °F, lithium batteries are best stored at 32 °F, and alkaline batteries should be stored at room temperature.

For the shelf-life of RECHARGEABLE batteries, see the right-most column here.