Cadmium is primarily used in the production of rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, which are valued for their durability and performance in high-drain devices such as power tools and emergency lighting. It serves as a key component in the battery’s negative electrode, providing stable charge-discharge cycles.

It is also used as a pigment in ceramics, plastics, and artists' colors due to its ability to produce bright yellow, orange, and red hues that are stable at high temperatures. These pigments are especially important in applications requiring heat resistance, such as in glass and glaze manufacturing.

Cadmium compounds act as stabilizers in PVC and other plastics, preventing degradation from heat and ultraviolet (UV) light, thereby extending the lifespan of plastic products exposed to sunlight.

In industrial coatings, cadmium plating is applied to steel and other metals to protect against corrosion, particularly in aerospace and marine environments where high reliability is essential.

Historically, cadmium was used in control rods for nuclear reactors due to its ability to absorb neutrons efficiently, although this application has decreased with the development of alternative materials.

Due to its toxicity and environmental persistence, many uses of cadmium are now restricted under regulations like the European RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), leading to a decline in consumer electronics and widespread efforts to find safer substitutes.