Bham Recycle — Bales of recyclables at Birmingham Recycling and Recovery in Avondale. Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

Earlier this month, Birmingham announced it is doubling its curbside recycling program. Beginning in July, the city will pick up recyclables on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Remember When?

For recyclers it has been a rollercoaster year and half.

After April 8, 2020, a few weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Birmingham suspended citywide curbside recycling. The program was dormant until limited once a month pickup service resumed on July 1, 2020.

In the meantime, a more intensive weekly pilot residential curbside recycling program called City Haul was launched during the Spring of 2020 in the Roebuck, Forest Park, Crestwood South, East Avondale and Woodland Park neighborhoods. About 2800 64-gallon recycling bins were distributed to those communities.

Two Monthly Pickups Dates

Birmingham Alabama — Birmingham Zoo’s Sea Lion “Farley” know how to recycle how about you! – photo from the Facebook/Birmingham Zoo

On June 16th, as part of Mayor Randall Woodfin’s “99 for the 150th : Taking Pride Where I Reside’’ city-wide cleanup initiative, the mayor added a monthly curbside recycling pickup date. Starting July 7th, residents do not have to store their recyclables for an entire month before putting them out on the curb.

The new twice a month recycling pickup initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from members of the City Council.

“I’ve heard from a lot of constituents who are passionate about recycling,” District 5 City Councilor Darrell O’Quinn told Bham Now via a text. “They are elated to hear curbside collection will be twice a month. Continued expansion of the City Haul program will provide weekly collection on designated routes. That’s the service that we’re ultimately striving for.”

Council Vice President Wardine Alexander from District 7 added:

“I am very excited about the expanded recycling program starting in July. This gives residents another opportunity to promote cleanliness in our neighborhoods as well as protect our environment. I hope everyone will participate.”

A Recycling Refresher

In preparation for the additional recycling day, the city has published a handy recycling guide on social media. Here is the graphic.

Recycling Flyer with details 1187x1536 1 Birmingham is expanding curbside recycling in July

“99 for the 150th : Taking Pride Where I Reside’’

Along with recycling, learn more about ways you can participate in the Mayor’s “99 for the 150th : Taking Pride Where I Reside’’ initiative. Volunteers are needed to help with the cleanups. Contact the city at customerservice@birminghamal.gov to lend your support.