This presentation will focus on the Battery Drop collection program implemented by the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA), which utilizes customized collection units and a mass marketing campaign to collect batteries and battery-containing devices (and cord/cables too). The presentation will include reasons for establishing the program, details on the grant funding, the selection of the container style and wraps and locations, the mass media efforts, collection results, and plans for expansion.

Funded in part by the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Environmental Management System Grant, the program's goal is to collect the batteries for recycling and prevent the improper disposal of batteries, which is wreaking havoc in the materials management industry with fires causing millions in damages. A key part of the collection program was providing each collection site with boxes for damaged and recalled batteries. In addition, staff worked to ensure the outreach efforts hit every possible channel to get the message out and increase collection.