Baldwin County is taking major steps to make recycling more accessible and convenient, expanding their CHaRM facilities (Centers for Hard-to-Recycle Materials) across Southern Alabama
Access with New CHaRM Facilities
Here along the Alabama Gulf Coast—where environmental responsibility is a way of life—Baldwin County is taking major steps to make recycling more accessible and convenient for every resident. The Solid Waste Disposal Authority (SWDA) continues to expand both curbside recycling and its network of CHaRM facilities (Centers for Hard-to-Recycle Materials), with rapid progress this fall. The Authority isn’t just changing recycling for Baldwin County, we are expanding beyond our area to Mobile County and all of Southwest Alabama. Transforming our mindset and strategies for managing future waste and recycling for future generations. Curbside recycling officially launched June 2 and is rolling out in phases through 2026. Residents can check their service start date at BaldwinCountySWDA.org/recycling.
At the same time, permanent manned CHaRM drop-off centers are opening across the county to accept items that don’t belong in curbside bins—including electronics, paint, household chemicals, bulky plastics and more.
Fairhope CHaRM opened August 7 and has already served more than 600 residents in its first month.
Magnolia CHaRM is preparing to open in mid-November, coinciding with America Recycles Day taking place November 15.
Orange Beach CHaRM has formally received its Notice to Proceed, with development now underway.
Bay Minette Transfer Station Renovation and New CHaRM – Contract has been awarded
These efforts support the county’s circular-economy goals, keeping valuable materials out of landfills and in the manufacturing supply chain for reuse. In August alone, the Baldwin County Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) received nearly 370 tons of recyclable materials—more than half successfully processed and shipped to certified end markets.
Residents are invited to celebrate this progress in person at the America Recycles Day Fall Festival, November 15th at the Baldwin County MRF in Summerdale. The event will feature guided tours, local food trucks, hands-on learning, crafts, music and more.
“Whether through curbside services, CHaRM locations or community outreach—Baldwin County residents now have more opportunities than ever to be part of the solution,” says Terri Graham, CEO of the Solid Waste Authority. “Every household, business and industry plays a role in protecting our coast—join us in our efforts to be part of the movement toward a more sustainable future,” she says.
Free Drop-Off:
Accepted items include aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, cardboard, plastics #1–7, mixed paper, small household batteries and light bulbs.
Low-Handling Fee Items:
Residential paint $2/gallon
Household hazardous waste (chemicals, gasoline, pesticides) $2/ gallon
Car batteries $2/each
Propane or fire extinguisher tanks $4/each
Electronics (TVs, phones, laptops) $5/unit
Not Accepted: Items not accepted include tires, mattresses, construction debris, furniture, large appliances and medical or biohazardous waste.
Location: 20609 Bishop Rd., Fairhope. Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. No appointment needed.
For more information, call the Solid Waste Disposal Authority at 251-972-6878.
For full details, visit BaldwinCountySWDA.org or stop by the central office at 15093 Landfill Dr., Summerdale.
