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For any smooth Riemannian manifold $M$ there is a countable disjoint union of balls with complement of measure $0$.

First of all, for each $p\in M$ let $B_p$ be a precompact normal ball centered at $p$ so small that:

1. $\mu(\partial B_p)=0$ (we can do this because $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(p,r))>0\}$ is countable).
2. The injectivity radius of points in $B_p$ is bounded below by some constant $\varepsilon>0$. We can prove that a small enough ball achieves this by changing the metric of $M$ far from $p$ so that $M$ becomes complete, and then using that in a complete Riemannian manifold the injectivity radius is continuous.
3. Sectional curvatures of points of $B_p$ are in some compact interval $[a,b]$.

Claim 1: If $\delta>0$ is small enough, then for any $q\in B_p$ we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}>2^{-n-1}$, where $n$ is the dimension of $M$.

Proof: This constant $\delta$ will be $<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}$, and to prove it exists, first note that due to Theorem 3.23 in [1] we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}\geq\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}$, where $V_\kappa(r)$ is the volume of the ball of radius $r$ in the $n$-dimensional space of constant sectional curvature $\kappa$. Note that for any $x>0$ we have $V_\kappa(xr)=x^nV_{\kappa x}(r)$, because the space of constant curvature $r$ is obtained from multiplying the metric of the space of constant curvature $xr$ by $x^2$. So when $\delta\to0$, we have $\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}=\frac{V_{\delta b}(1)}{V_{\delta a}(2)}\to\frac{V_0(1)}{V_0(2)}=2^{-n}$, so indeed for small $\delta$ we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}\geq\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}>2^{-n-1}$. $\square$

Claim 2: For any open subset $A$ of $B_p$ there is a finite set of disjoint balls $B_1,\dots,B_m$ contained in $A$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Proof: Let $\delta$ be so small that it satisfies the previous claim and such that, if $B:=\{x\in A;d(x,M\setminus A)>\delta\}$, then $\mu(B)>\frac{1}{2}\mu(A)$. Now consider a maximal $2\delta$-separated set $\{x_1,\dots,x_m\}$ in $B$, and let $B_i:=B(x_i,\delta)$. These balls are disjoint, and the balls $B(x_i,2\delta)$ cover $B$, so $\sum_i\mu(B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\sum_i\mu(B(x_i,2\delta))\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\mu(B)\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$. $\square$

We can also ensure that the boundaries of the balls $B_i$ of claim $2$ have measure $0$: if not, note that for each $q\in M$, the set $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(q,r))>0\}$ is countable, so we can reduce the radii of the balls just a little bit so that the sum of their volumes is still $>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Proof: Take $A=X$ in the previous claim, and find balls $B_{0,1},\dots,B_{0,n_0}$ with boundary of measure $0$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(X)$. Now let $X_1=X\setminus\cup_i\overline{B_{0,i}}$, so that $\mu(X_1)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X)$. Applying the same to $X_1$ we can remove from it finitely many balls $B_{1,1},\dots,B_{1,n_1}$ to obtain some open $X_2$ with $\mu(X_2)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X_1)$. Repeating this step to obtain spaces $X_n$ for each $n$, we get that the balls $\{B_{i,j}\}_{i\in\mathbb{N};j=1,\dots,n_i}$ are pairwise disjoint, and $\mu(X\setminus\bigcup_{i,j}B_{i,j})=\lim_{m\to\infty}\mu(X_m)\leq \lim_{m\to\infty}(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})^m\mu(X)=0$. $\square$

Proof: Consider the collection of balls $\mathcal{B}:=\{B_p;p\in M\}$. As $M$ is second countable, we can find a countable subcover of $\mathcal{B}$, $(B_n)_{n\in\mathbb{N}}$. Moreover, for each $n$, we can cover $B_n\setminus\bigcup_{i=1}^{n-1}\overline{B_i}$ up to measure $0$ with a countable collection of disjoint compact balls. The union of these countable collections of balls covers $B_n$ up to measure $0$ for all $n$, thus it covers all $X$ up to measure $0$. $\square$

[1] Cornelia Druţu, Michael Kapovich, $\textit{Geometric Group Theory}$, Colloquium Publications. Volume: 63; 2018.

For any smooth Riemannian manifold $(M,g)$ there is a countable disjoint union of balls with complement of measure $0$.

Let $\mu$ be Riemannian measure and for each $p\in M$ let $B_p$ be a small precompact ball centered at $p$ such that $\mu(\partial B_p)=0$ (we can do this because $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(p,r))>0\}$ is countable).

Claim 1: There is some $k>0$ such that for small $\delta>0$ and for any $q\in B_p$, $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}>k$.

Proof: Let $\varphi:U\to\mathbb{R}^n$ be a chart, where $U$ is a nhood of $\overline{B_p}$. Let $g'$ be the pullback from the metric of $\mathbb{R}^n$ in $U$. Then in some neighborhood $V$ of $\overline{B_p}$, the Riemannian distances $d,d'$ from $g,g'$ respectively are bilipschitz (so the volumes $\mu,\mu'$ are also related by a constant). So if $\delta_0$ is small enough that $d$-balls centered in $B_p$ of radius $\delta_0$ are contained in $V$, then for some big constant $\alpha$ we have that for any $q\in B_p$ and $\delta<\delta_0$, $$B'\left(q,\frac{\delta}{\alpha}\right)\subseteq B(q,\delta)\subseteq B(q,2\delta)\subseteq B'(q,\alpha\delta).$$ So, as $\frac{\mu(B'(q,\alpha\delta))}{\mu(B'(q,\frac{\delta}{\alpha}))}$ is uniformly bounded, we have proved the claim. $\square$

Claim 2: For any open subset $A$ of $B_p$ there is a finite set of disjoint balls $B_1,\dots,B_m$ contained in $A$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2k}\mu(A)$.

Proof: Let $\delta$ be so small that it satisfies the previous claim and such that, if $B:=\{x\in A;d(x,M\setminus A)>\delta\}$, then $\mu(B)>\frac{1}{2}\mu(A)$. Now consider a maximal $2\delta$-separated set $\{x_1,\dots,x_m\}$ in $B$, and let $B_i:=B(x_i,\delta)$. These balls are disjoint, and the balls $B(x_i,2\delta)$ cover $B$, so $\sum_i\mu(B_i)>\frac{1}{k}\sum_i\mu(B(x_i,2\delta))\geq\frac{1}{k}\mu(B)\geq\frac{1}{2k}\mu(A)$. $\square$

We can also ensure that the boundaries of the balls $B_i$ of claim $2$ have measure $0$: if not, note that for each $q\in M$, the set $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(q,r))>0\}$ is countable, so we can reduce the radii of the balls just a little bit so that the sum of their volumes is still $>\frac{1}{2k}\mu(A)$.

Proof: Take $A=X$ in the previous claim, and find balls $B_{0,1},\dots,B_{0,n_0}$ with boundary of measure $0$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2k}\mu(X)$. Now let $X_1=X\setminus\cup_i\overline{B_{0,i}}$, so that $\mu(X_1)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2k})\mu(X)$. Applying the same to $X_1$ we can remove from it finitely many balls $B_{1,1},\dots,B_{1,n_1}$ to obtain some open $X_2$ with $\mu(X_2)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2k})\mu(X_1)$. Repeating this step to obtain spaces $X_n$ for each $n$, we get that the balls $\{B_{i,j}\}_{i\in\mathbb{N};j=1,\dots,n_i}$ are pairwise disjoint, and $\mu(X\setminus\bigcup_{i,j}B_{i,j})=\lim_{m\to\infty}\mu(X_m)\leq \lim_{m\to\infty}(1-\frac{1}{2k})^m\mu(X)=0$. $\square$

Proof: Consider the collection of balls $\mathcal{B}:=\{B_p;p\in M\}$. As $M$ is second countable, we can find a countable subcover of $\mathcal{B}$, $(B_n)_{n\in\mathbb{N}}$. Moreover, for each $n$, we can cover $B_n\setminus\bigcup_{i=1}^{n-1}\overline{B_i}$ up to measure $0$ with a countable collection of disjoint compact balls. The union of these countable collections of balls covers $B_n$ up to measure $0$ for all $n$, thus it covers all $X$ up to measure $0$. $\square$

It seems such a collection of balls exists, for any smooth Riemannian manifold.

First of all, for each $p\in M$ let $B_p$ be a precompact normal ball centered at $p$ so small that:

1. $\mu(\partial B_p)=0$ (we can do this because $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(p,r))>0\}$ is countable).
2. The injectivity radius of points in $B_p$ is bounded below by some constant $\varepsilon>0$. We can prove that a small enough ball achieves this by changing the metric of $M$ far from $p$ so that $M$ becomes complete, and then using that in a complete Riemannian manifold the injectivity radius is continuous.
3. Sectional curvatures inside $B_p$ are in some compact interval $[a,b]$.

Claim 1: If $\delta>0$ is small enough, then for any $q\in B_p$ we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}>2^{-n-1}$, where $n$ is the dimension of $M$.

Proof: This constant $\delta$ will be $<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}$, and to prove it exists, first note that due to Theorem 3.23 in [1] we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}\geq\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}$, where $V_\kappa(r)$ is the volume of the ball of radius $r$, in the $n$-dimensional space of constant sectional curvature $\kappa$. Note that for any $x>0$ we have $V_\kappa(xr)=x^nV_{\kappa x}(r)$, because the space of constant curvature $r$ is obtained from multiplying the metric of the space of constant curvature $xr$ by $x^2$. So when $\delta\to0$, we have $\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}=\frac{V_{\delta b}(1)}{V_{\delta a}(2)}\to\frac{V_0(1)}{V_0(2)}=2^{-n}$, which proves that the constant $\delta$ exists. $\square$

Claim 2: For any open subset $A$ of $B_p$ there is a finite set of balls $B_1,\dots,B_m$ contained in $A$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Proof: Let $\delta$ be so small that it satisfies the previous claim and if $B:=\{x\in A;d(x,M\setminus A)>\delta\}$, then $\mu(B)>\frac{1}{2}\mu(A)$. Now consider a maximal $2\delta$-separated set $\{x_1,\dots,x_m\}$ in $A$, and let $B_i:=B(x_i,\delta)$. These balls are disjoint, and $\sum_i\mu(B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\sum_i\mu(B(x_i,2\delta))\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\mu(B)\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$, because the balls $B(x_i,2\delta)$ cover $B$. $\square$

We can also ensure that the boundaries of the balls $B_i$ of claim $2$ have measure $0$: if not, note that for each $q\in M$, the set $\{r>0;\mu(\delta B(q,r))>0\}$ is countable, so we can reduce the radii of the balls just a little bit so that the sum of their volumes is still $>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Claim 3: We can cover any open set $X\subseteq B_p$ up to measure $0$ by a disjoint collection of balls contained in $X$.

Proof: Take $A=X$ in the previous claim, and find balls $B_{0,1},\dots,B_{0,n_0}$ with boundary of measure $0$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(X)$. Now let $X_1=X\setminus\cup_i\overline{B_{0,i}}$, so that $\mu(X_1)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X)$. Applying the same to $X_1$ we can remove from it finitely many balls $B_{1,1},\dots,B_{1,n_1}$ to obtain some open $X_2$ with $\mu(X_2)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X_1)$. Repeating this step to obtain spaces $X_n$ for each $n$, we get that the balls $\{B_{i,j}\}_{i=1,\dots,n_j}$ are pairwise disjoint, and $\mu(X\setminus\bigcup_{i,j}B_{i,j})=\lim_{m\to\infty}\mu(X_m)\leq \lim_{m\to\infty}(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})^m\mu(X)=0$. $\square$

Claim 4: We can cover $M$ up to measure $0$ using a countable collection of disjoint compact balls.

Proof: Consider the collection of balls $\{B_p;p\in M\}$. As $M$ is second countable, we can find a countable subcover of $M$, $(B_n)_{n\in\mathbb{N}}$. Moreover, for each $n$, we can cover $B_n\setminus\bigcup_{i=1}^{n-1}\overline{B_i}$ up to measure $0$ with a countable collection of disjoint compact balls. The union of these countable collections of balls covers $B_n$ up to measure $0$ for all $n$, thus it covers all $X$ up to measure $0$.

[1] Cornelia Druţu, Michael Kapovich, $\textit{Geometric Group Theory}$, Colloquium Publications. Volume: 63; 2018.

For any smooth Riemannian manifold $M$ there is a countable disjoint union of balls with complement of measure $0$.

First of all, for each $p\in M$ let $B_p$ be a precompact normal ball centered at $p$ so small that:

1. $\mu(\partial B_p)=0$ (we can do this because $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(p,r))>0\}$ is countable).
2. The injectivity radius of points in $B_p$ is bounded below by some constant $\varepsilon>0$. We can prove that a small enough ball achieves this by changing the metric of $M$ far from $p$ so that $M$ becomes complete, and then using that in a complete Riemannian manifold the injectivity radius is continuous.
3. Sectional curvatures of points of $B_p$ are in some compact interval $[a,b]$.

Claim 1: If $\delta>0$ is small enough, then for any $q\in B_p$ we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}>2^{-n-1}$, where $n$ is the dimension of $M$.

Proof: This constant $\delta$ will be $<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}$, and to prove it exists, first note that due to Theorem 3.23 in [1] we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}\geq\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}$, where $V_\kappa(r)$ is the volume of the ball of radius $r$ in the $n$-dimensional space of constant sectional curvature $\kappa$. Note that for any $x>0$ we have $V_\kappa(xr)=x^nV_{\kappa x}(r)$, because the space of constant curvature $r$ is obtained from multiplying the metric of the space of constant curvature $xr$ by $x^2$. So when $\delta\to0$, we have $\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}=\frac{V_{\delta b}(1)}{V_{\delta a}(2)}\to\frac{V_0(1)}{V_0(2)}=2^{-n}$, so indeed for small $\delta$ we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}\geq\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}>2^{-n-1}$. $\square$

Claim 2: For any open subset $A$ of $B_p$ there is a finite set of disjoint balls $B_1,\dots,B_m$ contained in $A$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Proof: Let $\delta$ be so small that it satisfies the previous claim and such that, if $B:=\{x\in A;d(x,M\setminus A)>\delta\}$, then $\mu(B)>\frac{1}{2}\mu(A)$. Now consider a maximal $2\delta$-separated set $\{x_1,\dots,x_m\}$ in $B$, and let $B_i:=B(x_i,\delta)$. These balls are disjoint, and the balls $B(x_i,2\delta)$ cover $B$, so $\sum_i\mu(B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\sum_i\mu(B(x_i,2\delta))\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\mu(B)\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$. $\square$

We can also ensure that the boundaries of the balls $B_i$ of claim $2$ have measure $0$: if not, note that for each $q\in M$, the set $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(q,r))>0\}$ is countable, so we can reduce the radii of the balls just a little bit so that the sum of their volumes is still $>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Claim 3: We can cover any open set $X\subseteq B_p$ up to measure $0$ by a disjoint collection of balls contained in $X$.

Proof: Take $A=X$ in the previous claim, and find balls $B_{0,1},\dots,B_{0,n_0}$ with boundary of measure $0$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(X)$. Now let $X_1=X\setminus\cup_i\overline{B_{0,i}}$, so that $\mu(X_1)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X)$. Applying the same to $X_1$ we can remove from it finitely many balls $B_{1,1},\dots,B_{1,n_1}$ to obtain some open $X_2$ with $\mu(X_2)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X_1)$. Repeating this step to obtain spaces $X_n$ for each $n$, we get that the balls $\{B_{i,j}\}_{i\in\mathbb{N};j=1,\dots,n_i}$ are pairwise disjoint, and $\mu(X\setminus\bigcup_{i,j}B_{i,j})=\lim_{m\to\infty}\mu(X_m)\leq \lim_{m\to\infty}(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})^m\mu(X)=0$. $\square$

Claim 4: We can cover $M$ up to measure $0$ using a countable collection of disjoint compact balls.

Proof: Consider the collection of balls $\mathcal{B}:=\{B_p;p\in M\}$. As $M$ is second countable, we can find a countable subcover of $\mathcal{B}$, $(B_n)_{n\in\mathbb{N}}$. Moreover, for each $n$, we can cover $B_n\setminus\bigcup_{i=1}^{n-1}\overline{B_i}$ up to measure $0$ with a countable collection of disjoint compact balls. The union of these countable collections of balls covers $B_n$ up to measure $0$ for all $n$, thus it covers all $X$ up to measure $0$. $\square$

[1] Cornelia Druţu, Michael Kapovich, $\textit{Geometric Group Theory}$, Colloquium Publications. Volume: 63; 2018.

It seems such a collection of balls exists, for any smooth Riemannian manifold.

First of all, for each $p\in M$ let $B_p$ be a precompact normal ball centered at $p$ so small that:

1. $\mu(\partial B_p)=0$ (we can do this because $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(p,r))>0\}$ is countable).
2. The injectivity radius of points in $B_p$ is bounded below by some constant $\varepsilon>0$. We can prove that a small enough ball achieves this by changing the metric of $M$ far from $p$ so that $M$ becomes complete, and then using that in a complete Riemannian manifold the injectivity radius is continuous.
3. Sectional curvatures inside $B_p$ are in some compact interval $[a,b]$.

Claim 1: If $\delta>0$ is small enough, then for any $q\in B_p$ we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}>2^{-n-1}$, where $n$ is the dimension of $M$.

Proof: This constant $\delta$ will be $<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}$, and to prove it exists, first note that due to Theorem 3.23 in [1] we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}\geq\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}$, where $V_\kappa(r)$ is the volume of the ball of radius $r$, in the $n$-dimensional space of constant sectional curvature $\kappa$. Note that for any $x>0$ we have $V_\kappa(xr)=x^nV_{\kappa x}(r)$, because the space of constant curvature $r$ is obtained from multiplying the metric of the space of constant curvature $xr$ by $x^2$. So when $\delta\to0$, we have $\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}=\frac{V_{\delta b}(1)}{V_{\delta a}(2)}\to\frac{V_0(1)}{V_0(2)}=2^{-n}$, which proves that the constant $\delta$ exists. $\square$

Claim 2: For any open subset $A$ of $B_p$ there is a finite set of balls $B_1,\dots,B_m$ contained in $A$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Proof: Let $\delta$ be so small that it satisfies the previous claim and if $B:=\{x\in A;d(x,M\setminus A)>\delta\}$, then $\mu(B)>\frac{1}{2}\mu(A)$. Now consider a maximal $2\delta$-separated set $\{x_1,\dots,x_m\}$ in $A$, and let $B_i:=B(x_i,\delta)$. These balls are disjoint, and $\sum_i\mu(B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\sum_i\mu(B(x_i,2\delta))\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\mu(B)\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$, because the balls $B(x_i,2\delta)$ cover $B$. $\square$

We can also ensure in that proof that the boundaries of the balls $B_i$ of the previous claims have measure $0$: if not, note that for each $q\in M$, the set $\{r>0;\mu(\delta B(q,r))>0\}$ is countable, so we can reduce the radii of the balls just a little bit so that the sum of their volumes is still $>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Claim 3: We can cover any open set $X\subseteq B_p$ up to measure $0$ by a disjoint collection of balls contained in $X$.

Proof: Take $A=X$ in the previous claim, and find balls $B_{0,1},\dots,B_{0,n_0}$ with boundary of measure $0$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(X)$. Now let $X_1=X\setminus\cup_i\overline{B_{0,i}}$, so that $\mu(X_1)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X)$. Applying the same to $X_1$ we can remove from it finitely many balls $B_{1,1},\dots,B_{1,n_1}$ to obtain some open $X_2$ with $\mu(X_2)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X_1)$. Repeating this step to obtain spaces $X_n$ for each $n$, we get that the balls $\{B_{i,j}\}_{i=1,\dots,n_j}$ are pairwise disjoint, and $\mu(X\setminus\bigcup_{i,j}B_{i,j})=\lim_{m\to\infty}\mu(X_m)\leq \lim_{m\to\infty}(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})^m\mu(X)=0$. $\square$

Claim 4: We can cover $M$ up to measure $0$ using a countable collection of disjoint compact balls.

Proof: Consider the collection of balls $\{B_p;p\in M\}$. As $M$ is second countable, we can find a countable subcover of $M$, $(B_n)_{n\in\mathbb{N}}$. Moreover, for each $n$, we can cover $B_n\setminus\bigcup_{i=1}^{n-1}\overline{B_i}$ up to measure $0$ with a countable collection of disjoint compact balls. The union of these countable collections of balls covers $B_n$ up to measure $0$ for all $n$, thus it covers all $X$ up to measure $0$.

[1] Cornelia Druţu, Michael Kapovich, $\textit{Geometric Group Theory}$, Colloquium Publications. Volume: 63; 2018.

It seems such a collection of balls exists, for any smooth Riemannian manifold.

First of all, for each $p\in M$ let $B_p$ be a precompact normal ball centered at $p$ so small that:

1. $\mu(\partial B_p)=0$ (we can do this because $\{r>0;\mu(\partial B(p,r))>0\}$ is countable).
2. The injectivity radius of points in $B_p$ is bounded below by some constant $\varepsilon>0$. We can prove that a small enough ball achieves this by changing the metric of $M$ far from $p$ so that $M$ becomes complete, and then using that in a complete Riemannian manifold the injectivity radius is continuous.
3. Sectional curvatures inside $B_p$ are in some compact interval $[a,b]$.

Claim 1: If $\delta>0$ is small enough, then for any $q\in B_p$ we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}>2^{-n-1}$, where $n$ is the dimension of $M$.

Proof: This constant $\delta$ will be $<\frac{\varepsilon}{2}$, and to prove it exists, first note that due to Theorem 3.23 in [1] we have $\frac{\mu(B(q,\delta))}{\mu(B(q,2\delta))}\geq\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}$, where $V_\kappa(r)$ is the volume of the ball of radius $r$, in the $n$-dimensional space of constant sectional curvature $\kappa$. Note that for any $x>0$ we have $V_\kappa(xr)=x^nV_{\kappa x}(r)$, because the space of constant curvature $r$ is obtained from multiplying the metric of the space of constant curvature $xr$ by $x^2$. So when $\delta\to0$, we have $\frac{V_b(\delta)}{V_a(2\delta)}=\frac{V_{\delta b}(1)}{V_{\delta a}(2)}\to\frac{V_0(1)}{V_0(2)}=2^{-n}$, which proves that the constant $\delta$ exists. $\square$

Claim 2: For any open subset $A$ of $B_p$ there is a finite set of balls $B_1,\dots,B_m$ contained in $A$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Proof: Let $\delta$ be so small that it satisfies the previous claim and if $B:=\{x\in A;d(x,M\setminus A)>\delta\}$, then $\mu(B)>\frac{1}{2}\mu(A)$. Now consider a maximal $2\delta$-separated set $\{x_1,\dots,x_m\}$ in $A$, and let $B_i:=B(x_i,\delta)$. These balls are disjoint, and $\sum_i\mu(B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\sum_i\mu(B(x_i,2\delta))\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}\mu(B)\geq\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$, because the balls $B(x_i,2\delta)$ cover $B$. $\square$

We can also ensure that the boundaries of the balls $B_i$ of claim $2$ have measure $0$: if not, note that for each $q\in M$, the set $\{r>0;\mu(\delta B(q,r))>0\}$ is countable, so we can reduce the radii of the balls just a little bit so that the sum of their volumes is still $>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(A)$.

Claim 3: We can cover any open set $X\subseteq B_p$ up to measure $0$ by a disjoint collection of balls contained in $X$.

Proof: Take $A=X$ in the previous claim, and find balls $B_{0,1},\dots,B_{0,n_0}$ with boundary of measure $0$ such that $\mu(\cup_{i=1}^m B_i)>\frac{1}{2^{n+2}}\mu(X)$. Now let $X_1=X\setminus\cup_i\overline{B_{0,i}}$, so that $\mu(X_1)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X)$. Applying the same to $X_1$ we can remove from it finitely many balls $B_{1,1},\dots,B_{1,n_1}$ to obtain some open $X_2$ with $\mu(X_2)\leq(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})\mu(X_1)$. Repeating this step to obtain spaces $X_n$ for each $n$, we get that the balls $\{B_{i,j}\}_{i=1,\dots,n_j}$ are pairwise disjoint, and $\mu(X\setminus\bigcup_{i,j}B_{i,j})=\lim_{m\to\infty}\mu(X_m)\leq \lim_{m\to\infty}(1-\frac{1}{2^{n+2}})^m\mu(X)=0$. $\square$

Claim 4: We can cover $M$ up to measure $0$ using a countable collection of disjoint compact balls.

Proof: Consider the collection of balls $\{B_p;p\in M\}$. As $M$ is second countable, we can find a countable subcover of $M$, $(B_n)_{n\in\mathbb{N}}$. Moreover, for each $n$, we can cover $B_n\setminus\bigcup_{i=1}^{n-1}\overline{B_i}$ up to measure $0$ with a countable collection of disjoint compact balls. The union of these countable collections of balls covers $B_n$ up to measure $0$ for all $n$, thus it covers all $X$ up to measure $0$.

[1] Cornelia Druţu, Michael Kapovich, $\textit{Geometric Group Theory}$, Colloquium Publications. Volume: 63; 2018.