Solid Waste

This article explains how Baldwin County’s solid waste system works, who must participate, what gets picked up and when, where to take items that don’t belong in your cart, and which county facilities and offices to contact. You’ll find clear guidance on starting service, carts and curb placement, bulky item rules, recycling options, compost availability, and landfill operations across the county.

Understand how Baldwin County’s solid waste system is structured and why it matters

Baldwin County uses a countywide framework that blends residential collection in unincorporated areas with a network of landfills and a transfer station to keep neighborhoods clean and prevent illegal dumping. Participation in residential collection is mandatory for residents living in the unincorporated parts of the county. That requirement exists to reduce roadside litter, eliminate unauthorized dump sites, and ensure waste is handled safely from curb to disposal.

If you live outside a municipality’s service area, you’re covered by county service, and you should expect standardized carts, scheduled curbside collection, and access to county landfills for materials that don’t fit or don’t belong in the cart. Limited exemptions exist for residents who lawfully haul their own waste; those require a permit obtained through the Health Department. Everyone else in unincorporated areas must be on a collection program, and the county has built out the processes, billing, customer service, and facility network to make participation straightforward.

Start residential garbage service the right way and avoid delays

The fastest way to begin service is to submit the county’s official application. The county provides standardized wheeled carts to residential customers as part of your service; you won’t need to purchase a cart separately, and the cost is included on your bill. Because this utility operates like other public services, you’ll be asked for identifying and billing information, which protects against fraud and supports accurate account management and refunds when applicable.

Begin enrollment by completing the application for residential service through the county’s “Apply for Garbage Service” portal linked from the garbage collections hub. Use the county’s Apply for Garbage Service page to get started and see current requirements and forms (access it from Apply for Garbage Service).

If you have questions about which service area you’re in, or the status of an application, the county’s customer service team can help via the Contact Us page.

Once your account is opened, your cart delivery is scheduled and you’re assigned to a route. Residential billing statements are issued quarterly, determined by your service start date and the billing cycle you fall into. Multiple payment options are available, including the drive-thru window at the Robertsdale Central Annex and payment by phone with a billing specialist. County scale houses accept payments related to landfill transactions as well. If a payment posts after the “late after” date on your statement, a standardized late fee applies as set out in county policy.

Master the Baldwin County cart: placement, care, and what belongs inside

Getting pickup right begins with correct cart use. Baldwin County uses standardized rolling carts to keep routes efficient and streets tidy, and the county’s rules are designed to help crews service your address quickly and safely.

All curbside garbage must be contained inside your county-issued cart on collection day. Items sitting outside the cart are not collected as part of regular garbage service.

Keep the lid fully closed to prevent litter and windblown debris.

Face the cart the right way—arrow toward the street—and place it with at least a few feet of clearance on all sides so the truck’s mechanical arm can grab it cleanly.

Keep carts away from mailboxes, parked vehicles, utility poles, and low-hanging limbs on pickup days.

For a visual, step-by-step guide to placement, spacing, and care, review the county’s official Cart Use Guidelines.

Routine household garbage belongs in the cart. Loose yard waste, construction debris, white goods, and bulky items do not belong in the cart and follow different procedures, explained below. If your cart is damaged, contact the county so it can be repaired or replaced; don’t attempt to repair structural components yourself.

Keep on schedule: collection days, holiday changes, and weather notices

Baldwin County runs collection on a normal schedule for all holidays except three: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. If your regular pickup falls on one of those, service shifts according to the county’s holiday plan. Because schedules can vary by route and year, the county maintains a central page where you can confirm regular hours and holiday adjustments. Before major holidays—or during storm season—double-check the county’s official page for any updates to keep carts out only when crews are on the road.

Confirm regular and holiday timing on Regular & Holiday Collection Days & Hours.

During severe weather, collection may be modified to protect crews and roads. If a storm is approaching or recovery operations are underway, watch for county announcements and follow instructions on how to separate storm debris, which is handled differently than normal bulky or yard waste.

Fix problems fast: missed pickups, bulky requests, exemptions, and property status

Service issues happen, and the county provides streamlined online forms to keep things moving:

Missed pickup: If your cart was out on time and didn’t get serviced, report it promptly so a return can be scheduled when appropriate.

Bulky or yard debris pickup: Not storm-related? Use the county’s bulky/yard debris request. Crews handle this material separately, and set-out rules protect equipment and workers.

Dumpster exemption: Certain properties can request an exemption where a shared dumpster is used.

Property status: If occupancy changes, or a property is temporarily inactive, use the county form to document the status.

Begin with the county’s Garbage Collections hub to locate the correct request and read the current rules. When submitting, include your account details and describe the issue clearly so the field team arrives with the right equipment.

For bulky set-outs, follow the county’s size, weight, and material rules. Separate appliances, bundled limbs, and non-organic debris as directed. Items generated by contractors, remodeling, or land-clearing are typically not eligible for residential bulky collection and must be taken to a county landfill or handled by your contractor. Christmas trees are not collected via bulky pickup; see the seasonal recycling program under Recycling below.

Know the rates, fees, and policies before you set items out

Understanding the county’s current rates and rules helps you avoid surprise charges, late fees, or rejected set-outs. Baldwin County publishes basic residential rates, applicable fees, and solid waste policies that govern service, containers, and special circumstances.

Review the county’s current schedule on Rates & Fees to see monthly charges and other cost information.

Read countywide program rules, set-out requirements, and other provisions through the Garbage Collections hub (linked above).

Payments posted after the stated deadline incur a late fee as defined by county policy. Keep your mailing address and contact information current so you receive quarterly statements on time. For in-person payments, the county operates a drive-thru window at the Robertsdale Central Annex during weekday business hours; landfill scale houses accept payments associated with landfill transactions.

Take the right materials to the right county facility: landfills and transfer station

Some materials are too large, too heavy, or unsuitable for the cart. Baldwin County operates multiple facilities with posted hours six days a week (closed on the specific holidays noted). Each site has rules about what it accepts, how it must be prepared, and any fees.

The Magnolia Landfill in Summerdale handles a wide range of materials and is open Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

The MacBride Landfill in Loxley operates Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

The Eastfork Landfill in Elberta operates Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

The Bay Minette Transfer Station provides northern Baldwin County with a convenient drop-off point Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Because acceptance rules vary by facility, check the county’s consolidated landfill page before you load a trailer. You’ll see holiday closures, special events, and links to each facility’s details:

Find current hours, locations, and facility-specific notes on Landfills.

Bring a tarp and secure loads; uncovered loads may be refused for safety. Separate clean yard debris from household junk to keep disposal smooth and efficient. If you’re unsure whether a specific item is accepted, call the facility in advance (contact information is listed at the end of this article).

Put recycling to work in Baldwin County: drop-off sites, CHaRM centers, and evolving curbside options

Baldwin County supports recycling through a network of drop-off containers around the county and manned sites for hard-to-recycle materials. The county’s official recycling page lists what’s currently accepted and emphasizes that curbside recycling is not countywide at this time; availability may expand by area as the program develops.

Start with the county’s Recycling page for program basics and current news.

Use the map and address list of public container sites to plan a drop-off near you via Recycling Drop-off Sites and Map of Locations.

A few practical points to keep your trip efficient and maintain high-quality recyclables:

Rinse and empty containers; keep caps on if directed by signage at the site.

Flatten cardboard to save space and allow more residents to use the container between hauls.

Keep plastic bags out unless the site posts instructions allowing them. Bagged mixed recyclables usually contaminate loads; place items loose unless signs say otherwise.

Electronics: The county is not set up to recycle electronics at this time. Residential electronics can be disposed of in designated roll-off containers at county landfills for a fee; ask the scale house when you arrive.

Seasonal programs: The county runs seasonal recycling opportunities such as Christmas tree recycling; watch the county recycling pages for dates, locations, and set-out instructions.

Recycling offerings can change during storm response or peak seasons. Always check the official recycling pages before loading your vehicle so you arrive at the correct site with properly prepared materials.

Plan for seasonal surges and storm debris without disrupting routine collection

Holiday cleanups and storm recovery can overwhelm regular routes if residents set out everything at once or mix storm debris with normal waste. Baldwin County distinguishes storm-related debris from routine bulky set-outs. Storm debris is managed through separate instructions and timing to coordinate with road clearing, utility restoration, and contractor collections.

Use routine bulky/yard debris pickup only for non-storm-related material.

Keep storm debris separated by type—vegetative debris, construction/demolition debris, and white goods—according to county directions issued for the event.

Confirm holiday week adjustments using Regular & Holiday Collection Days & Hours.

By separating materials and following the county’s specific guidance, you help crews keep neighborhoods safe and ensure that recovery contractors can work efficiently without double-handling piles.

Get compost locally: where it’s offered, when to pick up, and how pricing works

When available, Baldwin County offers compost at select facilities for residents who want an affordable soil amendment. Availability can vary by season and demand, so call in advance before you travel to a site.

Where: Compost is available at Magnolia Landfill, MacBride Landfill, and the Bay Minette Transfer Station when supplies allow.

When: Typical pickup times are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (facility-specific schedules apply).

How much: The published cost is $25.00 per ton, with a limit of 1 ton per customer per day. A ton is roughly 1½ cubic yards, which fits in the bed of a standard pickup.

Loading: County staff will load compost for you; trailers are allowed.

Tip: Compost weighs more when wet. If possible, choose a dry day for pickup to stay within your desired weight.

Check the county landfill page for each site’s hours and call ahead to confirm stock before you go. Bring a tarp to cover loads, and secure your tailgate to prevent spillage on county roads.

Use the county’s FAQs and policies to clear up common questions before they become issues

Baldwin County publishes a detailed FAQ to address recurring service questions—everything from whether service is mandatory to how billing cycles work and where to obtain compost. Reviewing the official answers can save you time and help you avoid incorrect set-outs or missed deadlines.

Explore answers to the most frequent questions on the county’s FAQ page.

A few highlights from county policy and guidance reflected in those FAQs:

Mandatory service in unincorporated areas, or a qualified “haul your own” permit through the Health Department.

Quarterly billing timed to your start date and cycle.

County-issued carts included in your service cost.

Holiday exceptions limited to Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day for collection.

Christmas trees handled through seasonal recycling rather than bulky pickup.

Facility holiday schedules: Magnolia Landfill and Bay Minette Transfer Station are closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day; MacBride and Eastfork Landfills also close on Black Friday and New Year’s Day.

If you still have a question after checking the FAQs, use the county’s contact page to reach the correct office. For media inquiries, the county also provides a dedicated form to help route requests properly through county channels.

Make the most of county recycling education and tours

To promote waste reduction and correct recycling practices, Baldwin County offers tours of its recycling facilities when scheduled windows are open. Tours are designed for schools, civic groups, and residents who want to see how materials are sorted and prepared for market. Reviewing the tour calendar and submitting a request through the official recycling program helps staff coordinate safe access and group timing.

You’ll find tour availability information from the recycling pages linked above. When you book, include your group size, preferred dates, and any accessibility needs so that staff can prepare. If no dates are listed for your timeframe, check back periodically as the calendar opens.

When to bring items to a landfill versus scheduling a pickup

A helpful rule of thumb: if an item fits inside your county cart with the lid closed and it’s normal household garbage, set it out on collection day. If it doesn’t fit or isn’t allowed in the cart (for example, loose yard debris, appliances, construction debris, or electronics), use one of the following options:

Request a bulky/yard debris pickup for eligible materials that aren’t storm-related and that meet size/weight preparation rules. Start from the Garbage Collections page to access the correct request.

Take items to a county facility using the Landfills page to choose the right site for your load. Ask the scale house about material acceptance if you’re uncertain.

Use recycling drop-off for accepted materials at container locations listed on Recycling Drop-off Sites and Map of Locations.

Proper sorting at home saves you time at the gate and helps county crews process material safely. When in doubt, check the landfill page for “what we accept” notes for each facility, and never mix household chemicals or hazardous materials into the cart or a landfill load unless the county specifically lists them as accepted.

Tips that keep routes moving and neighborhoods clean

Set the cart out early on pickup day according to your route’s schedule; avoid late set-outs that force return trips.

Park off the street on collection day when possible so trucks can reach carts and continue safely.

Bundle limbs and stack yard waste as directed when scheduling a bulky request; over-length or loose piles cause delays and can damage equipment.

Check the holiday page before the three major holidays to plan your set-out and avoid overflowing carts if service shifts.

Use drop-off sites for overflow recycling after holidays; don’t pile extra recycling beside your cart because it won’t be collected with garbage.

Call first for compost so you don’t arrive on a day when supplies are exhausted.

A little planning goes a long way, especially during peak seasons when crews are running at capacity and facility traffic is high.

Facility and program snapshots you can use today

Residential service: Mandatory in unincorporated areas; county-issued carts included with service.

Collection days: Operate as scheduled except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day; verify any shift on the holiday hours page.

Bulky set-outs: Request pickup for non-storm bulky or yard debris and follow size/weight rules.

Recycling: Use drop-off locations countywide; curbside availability depends on area and current program status.

Landfills/transfer station: Four county sites with posted hours six days a week; acceptance varies by location.

Compost: Offered when available at designated sites; low-cost and loaded by county staff with a daily per-customer limit.

Electronics: Not recycled through county sites; residential electronics disposal is available with a fee at landfill roll-offs.

Storm debris: Managed separately from routine bulky requests; follow county instructions during events to speed recovery.

These program elements work together to simplify day-to-day trash handling, maintain cleanliness across neighborhoods, and direct specialized materials to the right county facility.

Solid Waste–relevant departments and facilities (official contacts)

Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County — 15093 Landfill Drive, Summerdale, AL 36580 — (251) 972-6878

Billing Office Drive-Thru (Robertsdale Central Annex) — 22251 Palmer Street, Robertsdale, AL 36567 — (251) 972-6878

Magnolia Recycle Facility – Residential Customer Service Office — 15101 Terra Bella Drive, Summerdale, AL 36580 — (251) 972-6878

Magnolia Landfill — 15480 Terra Bella Drive, Summerdale, AL 36580 — (251) 972-6878

MacBride Landfill — 26941 McBride Road, Loxley, AL 36551 — (251) 972-8508

Bay Minette Transfer Station — 43205 Nicholsville Road, Bay Minette, AL 36507 — (251) 580-1898

Eastfork Landfill — 29751 Eastfork Landfill Road, Elberta, AL 36530 — (251) 972-8553

Baldwin County Solid Waste FAQs

Is residential garbage service mandatory in unincorporated Baldwin County?

Yes—residential participation is required in unincorporated areas to curb litter and illegal dumping. If you do not use curbside service, you must hold a lawful “haul your own” permit issued through the Health Department. For program rules, forms, late-fee policy, and service requests, see Garbage Collections.

What should I know before starting or managing my account?

Residential customers are issued a county cart and billed quarterly based on their start date and assigned cycle. Payments can be made online, by phone, or in person as described under Garbage Collections, and the official cart spacing, lid-closed, and placement requirements are outlined in the county’s Cart Use Guidelines. If payment posts after the “LATE AFTER” date on your statement, a standardized monthly late fee applies; details appear in the county FAQ.

When does collection run on holidays or during severe weather?

Baldwin County collects on all holidays except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Check route adjustments and storm-related notices before setting carts out by visiting Regular & Holiday Collection Days & Hours; special weather announcements are also linked from the Garbage Collections hub.

How do bulky pickups, yard debris, and Christmas trees work?

Bulky and yard debris pickups are for non-storm material and require a request with the proper preparation and size limits; review the current rules and submit online from Garbage Collections. Christmas trees are not collected through bulky pickup—seasonal drop-off instructions are posted on the recycling pages and holiday hours page when active.

Where can I take items that don’t belong in my cart?

Some materials should be hauled to county facilities. Find operating hours, accepted materials, and special event notices for Magnolia, MacBride, Eastfork, and the Bay Minette Transfer Station at Landfills; individual facility pages provide site-specific guidance.

What recycling options are offered right now?

Baldwin County provides staffed CHaRM sites and unmanned drop-off containers, with accepted items and locations listed under Recycling. Electronics are not currently recycled by the county; residential electronics may be disposed of at landfill roll-off containers for a fee. For program updates—including curbside pilot availability, tours, and seasonal events—watch the recycling news and locations pages.