Welcome to your friendly
nonprofit community recycler!
Location:

AVONDALE
4330 1st Avenue South, Birmingham 35222
(205) 252-7581

Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 10am—2pm
Saturday, 9am—4pm

Location:

BESSEMER (COMING SOON)
1601 1st Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020

Hours:

Monday-Friday, 7am—3pm

Materials Accepted

Please consult the listing below for information on which materials are accepted at our locations. To recycle materials other than what is listed here, please consult our statewide search engine.

Avondale

We charge a small fee to cover the costs of harder-to-recycle items.
For your convenience, pre-paid punch cards are available for purchase.

  • Aluminum
  • Appliances
  • Batteries, Automotive
  • Batteries (Alkaline, NiMH, NiCd, Lithium): $1 per pound
  • Batteries, Lead-acid
  • Brita & PUR Water Filter Products
  • Brass
  • Cans, Steel
  • Cardboard
  • Cell Phones
  • Cigarette Waste
  • Computer Monitors: $15 each
  • Copper
  • Cork
  • Electronics
  • Engines (small)
  • Glass: $1 per 18-gallon tote (no ceramics, Pyrex, windows/doors, or mirrors)
  • Magazines
  • Natural Cork
  • Newspapers
  • Paper
  • Paper, Shredded (in bags)
  • Plastic #1 Bottles/Containers
  • Plastic #2 Bottles/Containers
  • Plastic #6 Solo Cups
  • Printer Ink Cartridges & Toner
  • Propane Tanks (empty)
  • PUR & Brita Water Filter Products
  • Shredded Paper (in bags)
  • Steel
  • Televisions: $0.50 per pound (no rear projection, wood paneling, or DLP)
  • Textiles
  • Tom's of Maine Products
  • Toner & Ink Cartridges
  • Water Filter Products from PUR & Brita

Bessemer

 

  • Aluminum
  • Appliances
  • Batteries, Automotive
  • Cardboard
  • Cell Phones
  • Cooking Oil
  • Copper
  • Cork
  • Electronics (no televisions or computer monitors)
  • Engines (small)
  • Ink & Toner Cartridges
  • Motor Oil
  • Office Paper
  • Plastic #1 Bottles/Containers
  • Plastic #2 Bottles/Containers
  • Steel

For information on the services and programs below, please contact our Avondale recycling office at (205) 252-7581.

Programs

Glass Pickup Program

Local bars and restaurants are eligible for our twice-weekly glass bottle pickup service. Barrels are provided for glass collection and a small monthly fee covers transportation costs.

Business Paper Program

Let us pick up your paper waste. We can come as needed or on a schedule that works for you. Our fees are low and customized to your needs.

School Recycling

Let us help your school set up a recycling program. Introducing students to the importance of recycling encourages them to develop a lifelong habit. Bin pickup is available for Birmingham-area schools.

Services

Tours

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how our recycling center is operated, along with an overview of the recycling process itself. Contact us at (phone number or email) to arrange a tour.

Events

Rent an Event Recycling Kit for your special events, enabling your visitors to recycle items on-site. Fees are assessed by the size of the event. Learn more.

Education

Let our friendly staff share their knowledge of the world of recycling, from learning about accepted materials to setting up an at-home recycling station.

About Us

The Alabama Environmental Council (AEC) manages the Avondale and Bessemer recycling centers. The AEC is a statewide, nonprofit organization engaging citizens toward sustainable living and stewardship of the environment.

Nearly 2,000 tons of recyclables are processed at our centers annually. Operating costs are provided by donations and through AEC memberships.

Buidling

A service of Alabama Environmental Council