I throw pennies away on principle, because it's absurd that they still exist even though making them costs us money.
The fact that it's inefficient for the government to produce them (I agree) does not mean it's a good idea for you to "throw them away." That's an absurd bit of "logic."
Also, the ROI just isn't there on saving pennies.
The analysis in the link is more than a bit ridiculous.
I only skimmed it, but here are a couple of points. It does NOT take 3.6 seconds to bend over and pick up a penny, unless you are in some way disabled an extremely slow moving. And even if it did, the tired old "time is money" meme isn't applicable UNLESS you would have used that time engaging in a for pay activity. If it cuts into your TV time, the "time is money" bit doesn't apply.
And I'm quite sure most people don't leave a penny in their car for the 12 or so years it takes to go 140,000 miles.
I'm a multimillionaire, but I'll still bend over and pick up a penny. I guarantee it takes me less than 3.6 seconds. Also, the "cost of calories" wasted analysis is inappropriate for most people, since most Americans are not lacking in calories. For most Americans, burning a calorie of two picking up a penny is a good thing.
So what to do with pennies?
SPEND THEM.
Preferably paying for something objectionable. For example, toll roads. I freaking hate toll roads, so on the rare occasion when I have to get ripped off for using a public road (e.g. the NY State Thruway), I give them a bunch of pennies. For example, if the toll was $5.45, I'll give them a $5 bill and 45 pennies.
I also use them all the time at drive thru food joints. Especially at McDs, where you pay at window #1 while waiting to pick up your food at window #2. You're just sitting there waiting in line anyway, so give the money taker 50 or 60 pennies. They never object, and I get rid of pennies.
Also, when in a restaurant that has some sort of charity box, toss a few in there.
I never have a problem getting rid of them.
And if some idiot is tossing down big money (nickels, dimes, quarters), I'm not only going to pick them up, I'll knock people over to get to them :)