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.

About the Speaker

Kenneth Miller
Solid Waste Agency Administrator | Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency

Ken has been a member of the solid waste industry since 2011 and has been serving as the Solid Waste Agency Administrator for the City of Dubuque since 2019. He is focused on improving material management systems to reduce waste and improve reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and treatment and disposal. Ken holds several professional certifications and is a member of multiple professional associations, including SWANA, ISOSWO (Board Member), SWANA Badger Chapter, NAHMMA (Board of Directors President), and the Iowa Composting Council (previous Board Member).