Baldwin County is getting a major boost for its recycling efforts thanks to more than $1.5 million in GOMESA funding. The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County received the grant to build a new recycling facility in Orange Beach. The center will make it easier for people to get rid of items that are difficult to recycle through regular recycle programs. Officials say the project will help protect the environment and reduce the amount of trash going into landfills.

The facility is scheduled to open in early 2026 at 22510 Russian Road off the Beach Express. The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County was awarded $1,500,224 through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, known as GOMESA. The money will pay for the Orange Beach Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials, or CHaRM for short.

The new recycling center will sit on a 1.25-acre site near the Orange Beach Public Works department. It will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to noon. People will not need to schedule an appointment to drop off their recyclable materials.

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Many common items can be brought to the facility at no charge. These include aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, cardboard, all types of plastics numbered 1 through 7, mixed paper, small household batteries, and light bulbs. The center will accept these materials from both residents and visitors to the area.

Some items will require a small handling fee to cover processing costs. Residential paint and household hazardous waste will cost $2 per gallon to drop off. Car batteries will have a $2 fee per battery. Propane tanks and fire extinguishers will cost $4 each to recycle. Electronics like televisions, phones, and laptops will have a $5 fee per unit.

However, the facility will not accept everything. Items that cannot be dropped off include tires, mattresses, construction debris, and furniture. Medical waste and biohazardous materials are also not allowed. Stoves, washing machines, and dryers will need to be disposed of elsewhere.

Terri Graham serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County. She said the investment helps make recycling more convenient and accessible for everyone in the area. Graham thanked the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, GOMESA, and local partners for their support. She said these partnerships help build a more sustainable future for communities across the county.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon praised the project as a win for both the city and the county. He said the city is proud to work with the Solid Waste Disposal Authority on the facility. Kennon noted that the GOMESA funds make the project possible. He said the recycling center fits with Orange Beach's commitment to protecting the coastal environment and making recycling easier for everyone.

The Orange Beach facility will be the third CHaRM location in Baldwin County. Two other centers have already opened in Fairhope and Magnolia. The Solid Waste Disposal Authority plans to build six of these facilities total across the county. Together, these sites help make responsible recycling more convenient for all residents.

The new center will work alongside other recycling programs already operating in Baldwin County. These include a Materials Recovery Facility and Education Facility in Summerdale. The county also offers curbside recycling pickup and has several recycling drop-off container locations. All of these programs show the Solid Waste Disposal Authority's commitment to expanding recycling opportunities and promoting environmental education throughout the region.

The GOMESA funding represents a major investment in Baldwin County's long-term environmental goals. Once the Orange Beach CHaRM opens, it will give people a centralized place to properly dispose of recyclable materials. Officials say this will help reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. It will also help promote cleaner coastal habitats in the area.

People who want additional information about the new facility or other recycling programs can visit baldwinrecycles.org. They can also call the Solid Waste Disposal Authority at 251-972-6878.