The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County (SWDA) hosted its America Recycles Day Celebration on Nov. 15 at the Materials Recovery Facility, located at 15101 Terra Bella Drive in Summerdale. The free, family-friendly community event featured live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, face painting, and other activities designed to make recycling fun and educational for all ages.
Guests brought their recyclables and enjoyed a day focused on learning how to “recycle right” in Baldwin County. The celebration included interactive displays, educational demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the SWDA team and discover how local recycling programs are making it easier for residents to live cleaner, greener, and more sustainably.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about SWDA’s ongoing efforts to expand recycling opportunities countywide, including:
- Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) – Fairhope: The first facility of its kind in Alabama, providing a convenient drop-off location for items not accepted in standard recycling bins, such as electronics, paint, and batteries.
- Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) – Summerdale: SWDA’s newest CHaRM location, expanding access and convenience for Baldwin County residents.
- Future Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM): Planned strategic locations include Orange Beach, anticipated opening February 2026, Bay Minette expected Summer 2026, and additional sites in Spanish Fort and Robertsdale.
- Materials Recovery Facility – Summerdale: A 62,000-square-foot facility capable of processing up to 40,000 tons of recyclables each year.
- Curbside Recycling Programs: Currently active in Daphne and surrounding areas, with expansion planned to include Belforest, Malbis, Spanish Fort, Loxley, and Summerdale by the end of 2025. Future phases will extend service to Magnolia Springs, Fairhope, Silverhill, Elberta, Gulf Shores, Foley, and other unincorporated areas through 2026, creating countywide access to curbside recycling.
“America Recycles Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the progress our community has made and to continue to raise awareness and educate our community about the importance of recycling and all the ways you can make a difference with recycling options in the area. By working together, we can make Baldwin County a cleaner, more sustainable place to live.”
Terri Graham, CEO of the Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County
The America Recycles Day Celebration supported SWDA’s mission to promote environmental awareness and responsible waste management across Baldwin County. For more information and event updates, visit SWDA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/swdabaldwincountyal or call 251-972-6878.
