Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
5 unusual things you can recycle at Household Dropoff Day, January 31
Reading time: 3 minutes
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New year, new space! If January has you staring down overstuffed junk drawers, tangled cords and old electronics you know you’ll never use again, Birmingham has an easy (and eco-friendly) solution.
On Saturday, January 31, Jefferson County is hosting its first Household Dropoff Day of 2026—giving residents a simple, drive-through way to recycle electronics and securely shred paper, all in one stop.
The event runs 9–11:30AM at the Birmingham Zoo, and best part? You won’t even have to get out of your car!
What is Household Dropoff Day?
Household Dropoff Day is a free recycling event designed to help Jefferson County residents responsibly dispose of electronics that shouldn’t go in your curbside bin, and on-site paper shredding to securely manage your sensitive documents.
- Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- When: Saturday, January 31 | 9–11:30AM
“Stewardship is one of the Zoo’s core values. We practice responsible stewardship of our natural resources, knowing that by walking our walk, we can inspire our guests, families, friends and community to create a more sustainable environment for all.
This recycling effort ties in perfect with our values and helps bring our mission to life—inspiring passion to conserve the natural world.”
Chris Pfeffekorn, President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo
Important note: This event is not the same as Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day. The first hazardous waste event of 2026 will take place on April 25, 2026.
5 unusual things you can recycle at this event
You’ve probably guessed old phones and computers are accepted, but there are plenty of surprise items on the list. Here are five you might not realize you can bring:
1. Old cable boxes + modems
Still hanging onto equipment from a provider you ditched years ago? Cable boxes, modems and routers are all accepted—and they’re notorious for piling up in closets.
2. Small kitchen + household appliances
Yes, really. Items like coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, vacuums, hair dryers and irons can all be dropped off. If it’s small enough to carry and no longer works (or sparks joy), it’s likely welcome.
3. Remotes + cords (+ Christmas lights!)
We all have that one drawer. Or three. Loose cords, Christmas lights, remotes and miscellaneous electronics accessories are accepted.
4. Security equipment + cameras
Outdated security cameras, old systems and related equipment can be recycled responsibly instead of sitting unused at home.
5. Vapes
Vapes shouldn’t go in the trash, and many people don’t know what to do with them. This event provides a safe, proper disposal option.
More accepted items:
In addition to the items above, the drop-off includes:
- Cell phones
- Computers + monitors
- Printers
- TVs
- Cameras
- Ink toner cartridges
- Electronic accessories
If it plugs in, powers on or once did—chances are, you can bring it.
On-site paper shredding (with a few rules)
In addition to electronics recycling, the event also includes on-site paper shredding. Perfect for old tax documents, statements and paperwork you don’t want falling into the wrong hands.
- Limit: 5 boxes per vehicle
- Please remove: Binder clips and paper clips
So mark your calendar, clean out those closets + kick off 2026 with a fresh start! For more information about drop-off day on January 31, check out Jefferson County on socials or call (205) 325-8741.
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