The Solid Waste Disposal Authority (SWDA) of Baldwin County was awarded $1,500,224 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA) funds earlier this year to be used for the development of the Orange Beach Center for Hard to Recycle Materials Facility (CHaRM).

Once complete, Orange Beach CHaRM will provide residents and visitors with a centralized, accessible location to properly dispose of recyclable materials, reducing landfill waste and promoting cleaner coastal habitats.

"This investment helps us take another important step toward making recycling more convenient and accessible for everyone in Baldwin County," said Terri Graham, chief executive officer of the SWDA of Baldwin County. "We are grateful for the support of the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, GoMESA and our local partners as we continue building a more sustainable future for our communities."

Located at 22510 Russian Road in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach CHaRM is expected to open in early 2026 on a 1.25-acre site. The facility will operate Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon no appointment required.

Residents will be able to bring aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, cardboard, plastic types 1-7, mixed paper, small household batteries and light bulbs at no cost. A small handling fee will apply to certain items, including residential paint and household hazardous waste at $2 per gallon, car batteries for $2 each, propane tanks and fire extinguishers $4 each, and electronics such as TVs, phones and laptops will be $5 per unit.

Items not accepted include tires, mattresses, construction debris, furniture, medical waste, biohazardous waste and white goods such as stoves, washers and dryers.

"This project is a win-win for Orange Beach and the county," Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said. "We're proud to partner with SWDA to bring this robust recycling facility to our community, and we're thankful for the GoMESA funds. This project goes hand in hand with the city's common-sense commitment to protecting our coastal environment and making it easier for residents and visitors to recycle responsibly. This is a city-county collaboration at its best."

Orange Beach CHaRM will be the third of six planned facilities across Baldwin County, following openings in Fairhope and Magnolia Springs. Together, these sites help to make responsible recycling more convenient and accessible for all residents.

The new facility will also work in coordination with SWDA's other sustainability initiatives, including the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and Education Facility in Summerdale, the countywide curbside recycling program and several recycling drop-off container locations throughout the county.

Collectively, these efforts demonstrate SWDA's ongoing commitment to expanding recycling opportunities, promoting environmental education and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable Baldwin County.