Our longtime glass recycling partner, Argos (formerly LaFarge NA), is no longer able to accept glass from the Downtown Birmingham Recycling Center. Due to chemistry changes in their raw materials, glass cannot be used as an aggregate for their cement manufacturing for the near future. As a result, we are no longer able to accept glass for recycling at the Recycling Center until further notice. 

 
HOW YOU CAN HELP: This whole setup was created out of a citizen making some connections and we hope that might happen again this time! Options could be: 1) another local industrial facility that could use glass in their process; 2) transportation company willing to haul glass to Atlanta to the closest recycler; 3) someone in Birmingham area with warehouse or paved surface and loading equipment that can help transfer from roll-off bins to trailers for transport.

     

Since starting the Business Paper Recycling Program a year ago, we have recycled over 120 tons of paper! The next time you visit these establishments, be sure to thank them for recycling.






         

 

Source: RecycleYourMat.com

If you’re reading this, chances are you are well aware of where to recycle the more common household consumer goods, such as paper, bottles, and cans. In my last blog entry, we explored how to recycle hazardous materials. For this second installment, we’re going to take a look at some rather uncommonly recycled items. Some of these items are so difficult to recycle that there are few businesses in the nation that have stepped up to the challenge. Click on the underlined hyperlinks to be directed to these resources.

The Alabama Environmental Council's Downtown Birmingham Recycling Center is getting, well, recycled. In early 2011, the AEC plans to demolish the building it leases at 25th Street and Second Avenue North and replace it with a new modular facility designed by Williams Blackstock Architects. The renovation will also include fencing and landscaping and look more attractive to the neighbors, according to Michael Churchman, the AEC's executive director.

A great way to save water for our streams, tap water for drinking, and money for our pockets is to harness the rain for watering needs by building a Rain Barrel. This simple project can be accomplished in just a couple of hours with minimal, simple, carpentry skills and locally found parts.

With support from the World Wildlife Fund and Coca Cola United Bottlers in Birmingham, the Alabama Environmental Council hosts Rain Barrel Workshops. Churches, schools, libraries and community centers are great locations for these workshops.