GULF SHORES, AL – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Alabama Business Chamber joined the Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County (SWDA), local officials, and community leaders on Thursday, July 23, 2026, to celebrate the grand opening of the Orange Beach Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials, known as CHaRM.

The new Orange Beach facility is the third and largest CHaRM opened by SWDA since August 2025, joining existing locations in Fairhope and Summerdale. The 47,538-square-foot facility, located on 1.25 acres at 22510 Russian Road, expands convenient access to recycling and responsible waste disposal while supporting SWDA’s long-term efforts to reduce landfill dependency and protect Baldwin County’s natural resources.

“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 grand-opening celebration included a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from state and local leaders, and tours offering guests a firsthand look at how the facility will operate. Speakers included Graham; Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Phillip West, director of Coastal Resources for the City of Orange Beach; Jeb Ball, chairman of the Baldwin County Commission and District 1 commissioner; and Matt McKenzie, Baldwin County District 2 commissioner.

Demand for CHaRM services continues to grow throughout Baldwin County. To date, SWDA’s existing facilities have served 19,369 customers and manually collected and processed 26,205 hard-to-recycle items. The Orange Beach location will increase SWDA’s capacity to serve residents and divert additional materials from local landfills.

The facility was partially funded through a $1.5 million Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act grant. The investment strengthens Baldwin County’s recycling network while supporting the protection of coastal waterways, wildlife habitats, and other natural resources.

The Orange Beach CHaRM accepts common recyclables at no charge, including aluminum cans, plastics, mixed paper, cardboard, small household batteries, lightbulbs, and glass bottles and jars. Paint, household hazardous waste, car batteries, tanks, and electronics are also accepted for a small handling fee.

Located off the Baldwin Beach Express behind Baldwin EMC and Orange Beach Public Works, the facility is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.

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

About the Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County

The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County is a public utility dedicated to advancing sustainable waste-management solutions that protect the environment and improve quality of life for residents across Baldwin County. SWDA oversees municipal waste disposal, recycling programs, and innovative facilities such as its Materials Recovery Facility and Centers for Hard-to-Recycle Materials. Learn more at baldwinrecycles.org.

Photo Cutline: Representatives from the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Alabama Business Chamber joined SWDA leaders, elected officials, and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of the Orange Beach Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials on July 23, 2026.