The Solid Waste Disposal Authority (SWDA) of Baldwin County celebrated the opening of its newest Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in Orange Beach, making it the third and largest CHaRM facility SWDA has opened since August 2025.
The new Orange Beach facility expands convenient access to recycling and responsible waste disposal for residents while advancing the SWDA’s long-term strategy to reduce landfill dependency, recover valuable resources and lead environmental stewardship throughout Baldwin County. The facility joins existing CHaRM locations in Fairhope and Summerdale, initiatives to grow a more sustainable Baldwin County
Demand for CHaRM services continues to grow across Baldwin County. To date, SWDA’s existing CHaRM facilities have served 19,369 customers and manually collected and processed 26,205 hard-to-recycle items. Located on 1.25 acres, The new 47,538-square-foot Orange Beach CHaRM will expand SWDA’s capacity to serve residents and divert additional materials from local landfills.
“As Baldwin County continues to grow, we must continue investing in infrastructure that supports both our residents and our environment,” said Terri Graham, CEO of SWDA. “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. It represents another important step in our long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management.”
The Orange Beach CHaRM provides a convenient location to responsibly dispose of materials not typically accepted through curbside recycling programs. Accepted materials include glass, electronics, batteries, paint and household hazardous waste as well as common household recyclables for those without curbside service.
The facility was partially funded through a $1.5 million grant from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA. The investment strengthens Baldwin County’s growing recycling network while supporting the protection of coastal waterways, wildlife habitats and other natural resources.
“GOMESA funding allows us to invest revenues generated from offshore energy production back into projects that protect and enhance Alabama’s coastal communities,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “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 reinforced the city’s continued commitment to conservation and environmental responsibility. “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.”