Abstract: A communication device is designed to contain the lowest possible level of toxic or hazardous materials, so that when it is eventually disposed of, it will not harm the environment and can be safely recycled. Each component A.sub.1, A.sub.2, . . . , A.sub.n in the communication device has a calculated Component Toxicity Index value. A Product Toxicity Index for the entire communication device is calculated by summing the individual Component Toxicity Index values. The desired outcome is a communication device having a Product Toxicity Index less than or equal to 100. The resulting communication device is referred to as "environmentally friendly". The communication device may be a two-way radio (10), and some of the components are a radio transmitter (12), a radio receiver (14), an antenna (16), an amplifier (18), a battery (20) and a housing (22).

Abstract: A battery charger for lithium ion cells closely monitors cell voltage, and charge time, so as to avoid the over-application of charge to the cell. Charge pulses (104) are followed by a first rest (110), a discharge (112) and a second rest, (120) period prior to re-initiating the charge pulse. If the battery voltage reaches a preselected maximum, in less than a pre-selected period of time, the charge pulse is reduced by a preselected minimum factor. Cycling of the cell is continued until the cells are fully charged.