听The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County has been awarded $1,500,224 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds. The investment will support development of the Orange Beach Center for Hard to Recycle Materials Facility (CHaRM), a project that will expand recycling access and strengthen sustainability efforts across Baldwin County鈥檚 communities.听
The funding, provided through GOMESA, represents a major investment in the county鈥檚 long-term waste reduction and environmental stewardship goals. Once complete, the 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.听
鈥淭his investment helps us take another important step toward making recycling more convenient and accessible for everyone in Baldwin County,鈥� said Terri Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�听
Located at 22510 Russian Road in Gulf Shores, the 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, with no appointment required.听
Residents will be able to bring aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, cardboard, plastics (types 1鈥�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 ($2 per gallon), car batteries ($2 each), propane tanks and fire extinguishers ($4 each), and electronics such as TVs, phones, and laptops ($5 per unit). Items not accepted include tires, mattresses, construction debris, furniture, medical or biohazardous waste, and white goods (such as stoves, washers, and dryers).听
“This project is a win-win for Orange Beach and the county,” said Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon. “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.”听
The Orange Beach CHaRM will be the third of six planned facilities across Baldwin County, following the successful openings of the Fairhope and Magnolia CHaRM locations. Together, these sites help advance SWDA鈥檚 mission to make responsible recycling more convenient and accessible for all residents.听
The new facility will also work in coordination with SWDA鈥檚 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鈥檚 ongoing commitment to expanding recycling opportunities, promoting environmental education, and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable Baldwin County.听