The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) will no longer be able to accept mixed batteries from municipal collection points and depots for recycling as a result of a change in Federal Department of Transportation regulations. As a result, the MCMUA's mixed battery recycling program will end on December 1, 2009. After December 1, 2009, it will be the responsibility of municipalities to manage the disposal/recycling of batteries.

It is important to all of us to make sure batteries are properly disposed of. Improper disposal may result in the release of mercury or cadmium to the air and water, then into the food chain and finally into all of us, posing health threats to our health and the environment.

1. Alkaline Batteries - Use-once alkaline batteries such as AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt batteries produced by manufacturers like Energizer and Duracell as well as less common and/or generic manufacturers and carbon zinc (heavy duty) batteries now fall below Federal and state hazardous waste standards and can and should be thrown out in the ordinary garbage.
2. Rechargeable Batteries - The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) operates Call2Recycle®, a free rechargeable battery recycling program. Currently, Home Depot, Radio Shack, Lowe’s and Verizon Wireless all participate in the program. Call 1-877-2-RECYCLE or use their website at http://www.call2recycle.org to find the closest public drop-off point. Cell phones can also be collected through the Call2Recycle® program. Batteries covered under the Call2Recycle program include: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn) Small Sealed Lead - less than 11 lbs (Pb)
3. Other Batteries - Non-rechargeable and large (over 11 lbs) lead-acid batteries, Button Cell Batteries, (contain mercury) Lead-Acid Batteries (car & boat batteries) and non-rechargable Lithium Batteries compose the category. Dispose of these batteries by taking them to the MCMUA’s household hazardous waste disposal program. Information can be found at http://mcmua.com/hazardouswaste/index.htm or by calling 973-829-8006.