Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County has opened a new Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials in Orange Beach. The facility is the third CHaRM location the authority has launched since August 2025 and is also the largest of the three currently operating in the county. The opening marks another step in SWDA's effort to expand recycling access and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in local landfills.

The Orange Beach CHaRM opened at 22510 Russian Road, off the Baldwin Beach Express, behind Baldwin EMC and Orange Beach Public Works. The center sits on 1.25 acres and spans 47,538 square feet. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon. The new site joins CHaRM locations in Fairhope and Summerdale.

Demand for this type of recycling service has been rising across the county. SWDA's two existing CHaRM facilities have served 19,369 customers and collected and processed 26,205 hard-to-recycle items. The Orange Beach location is designed to serve even more residents and keep additional materials out of landfills. Officials say the county's rapid population growth has made expanding this infrastructure a priority.

Terri Graham, CEO of SWDA, discussed what the facility means for the region. "As Baldwin County continues to grow, we must continue to invest in infrastructure that supports both our residents and our environment," Graham said. "The Orange Beach CHaRM makes recycling more accessible, keeps reusable materials in circulation, and protects the natural assets that make our community such a special place to live."

Graham added that the project reflects a long-term vision. "It represents another important step in our long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management," she said. The new facility accepts materials that most curbside programs do not collect, such as glass, electronics, batteries, paint, and household hazardous waste.

The center received partial funding through a $1.5 million grant from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). That federal program directs funds from offshore energy production to coastal conservation and community projects. Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, explained the connection.

"GOMESA funding allows us to invest revenues generated from offshore energy production back into projects that protect and enhance Alabama's coastal communities," Blankenship said. "The Orange Beach CHaRM is a perfect example of that investment at work. By expanding access to responsible recycling and disposal services, this facility will help protect our coastal waterways, wildlife habitats and the natural resources that are so important to Baldwin County's quality of life and economy."

Orange Beach Director of Coastal Resources Phillip West also spoke about the city's support for the project. "This facility gives residents and visitors another way to help keep our beaches, waterways and neighborhoods clean," West said. "We are proud to partner with SWDA on a project that benefits our community while supporting broader sustainability efforts throughout Baldwin County."

Several items can be dropped off at the new facility free of charge. These include aluminum cans, plastics types one through seven, mixed paper, cardboard, small household batteries, light bulbs, and glass bottles and jars. A small handling fee applies to harder-to-process materials.

Residents can drop off residential paint for $2 per gallon, household hazardous waste (including chemicals, gasoline, and pesticides) for $2 per gallon, and car batteries for $2 each. Propane tanks and fire extinguishers cost $4 per tank, and electronics such as televisions, phones, and laptops cost $5 per unit. Items not accepted include tires, mattresses, furniture, large appliances, construction debris, and medical or biohazardous waste.

For a full list of accepted materials, hours, and fees, residents can visit baldwinrecycles.org or call 251-972-6878.