Phase two of the City of Birmingham’s recycling cart program kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 11

Phase two of the city's recycling cart program will officially begin on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The Department of Public Works crews will begin service of the 4,500 new 64-gallon recycling bins that were delivered to residents across the city. This is part of the city's initiative to support the reduction of waste sent to landfills, conserve natural resources, and prevent pollution. The carts in this phase were made possible thanks to a grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

The first phase of the city's recycling initiative kicked off in 2020 with a pilot program. In this current phase, carts were made available citywide and distributed to those who signed up. Those who did not sign up in time to participate will be added to a waiting list for Phase 3, which is scheduled to begin in 2025.

Here are some tips to remember while participating in the new recycling cart program:

• All the recipients of the new cart were emailed and notified about the new program, rules of engagement, and its start date. Residents who signed up but did not receive a notification either did not provide an email address during their registration or the one they provided was incorrect. Please reach out to [email protected] for details.
• Recycling pick-up takes place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. However, if a holiday falls during one of those weeks, the schedule could be adjusted.
• Those who typically recycle, but did not receive a new cart, should put their items out as they usually do.
• The free carts are only available for Birmingham residents, and only one cart is available per household. Businesses or residents of multi-dwelling units are not eligible to participate.
• Calls regarding missed recycling should be reported to 311.
• For non-emergency notifications from the city, text BHAMREADY to 888-777.

Email questions to [email protected]. For more information on what's allowed for recycling and what is not, visit www.birminghamal.gov/recycle.