For many years The Township of Neptune has worked with Monmouth County to recycle common carbon-zinc and alkaline batteries (i.e. AAA, AA, A, C, D and 9 volt).

This program will end immediately. These batteries should now be disposed with regular household and commercial trash. Why are these changes taking place?

According to Monmouth County officials, when this program began, there were significant levels of toxic metals present in household batteries. Toxic metals have been reduced or eliminated in these common batteries the past ten years. In addition, the costs to recycle or dispose of these batteries continues to increase. Recently, and in response to several incidents where fires have broken out in vehicles transporting drummed batteries, the Federal Department of Transportation (USDOT) has implemented new transport rules mandating that each battery be individually bagged and /or terminals taped. Therefore, continuation of this household battery recycling program will become prohibitively expensive, at a time when the need for this segregation of these spent batteries has become almost academic.

These type of batteries should now be disposed of with regular household and commercial trash:

  Common carbon-zinc and alkaline batteries: AAA, AA, C, D and 9 volt

Neptune will continue to recycle some types of batteries

The Township of Neptune will continue to accept rechargeable batteries and small "button batteries"

• Rechargeable batteries: The Township of Neptune will be participating in a program funded by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, (www.rbrc.org) who pays for the box, bags, shipping and recycling of the batteries. Residents place a rechargeable battery in a bag, and deposit the bagged battery into the cardboard collection box at the recycling center. Found in cellular and cordless phones, cordless power tools, laptop computers, PDAs, remote control toys and other cordless products
•  Button Cell Batteries: (miniature disc/coin sized) will continue to be collected and shipped to the Monmouth County Hazardous Waste Facility. Button cell batteries can contain up to 25 milligrams of mercury per battery, and are considered a hazardous waste. Found in photo equipment, watches, hearing aids, watches and other electronic products.

The Township of Neptune is removing all battery collection containers from all sites with the exception of the recycling center. The Neptune Township Recycling Center is located at the westernmost entrance to our Public Works Facility at 2201 Heck Ave. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Not open on Township holidays. Neptune Township proof of residency must be presented to the inspector to enter the facility.

The Neptune Public Works Department welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions. You can contact the Neptune Public Works at. Tel: 732-775-8797 Ext 604

Source: Wayne Rode, Director of Public Works