Imagine not having to run out to buy batteries every time you discover that your remote control or kid's toy has run out of power.

That might soon be a reality.

Researchers at the University of Bedfordshire in England say they have developed a new technique for powering electronic devices.

The system, developed by Prof. Ben Allen at the university's Centre for Wireless Research, uses radio waves as power.

It's believed to be a world first, and the university has now filed a patent application to secure exclusive rights to the technique.

Allen told the BBC that the team created a system to use medium wave frequencies to replace batteries in small everyday gadgets like clocks or remote controls.

He said the new technique uses the "waste" energy of radio waves and has been developed as part of the university's research into "power harvesting".

Allen said that as radio waves have energy - like light waves, sound waves or wind waves - then in theory these waves could be used to create power.

"The emerging area of power harvesting technology promises to reduce our reliance on conventional batteries," he said.

And it would benefit the environment.

Allen says that England sends "between 20,000 and 30,000 tons of batteries in landfill sites every year - that is toxic chemicals going into the ground."