County to end plastic recycling over rising costs

Plastic Recycling  |  2026-06-16 00:12:56   |   By

The event will be held from 7 a.m. until noon at the Calhoun County Landfill on Morrisville Road.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The Calhoun County Commission voted June 11 to discontinue the county's plastic recycling program effective July 1, citing escalating disposal costs and the lack of a viable market for recyclable plastics.

The resolution, recommended by Calhoun County solid waste programs manager Rodney Cox, will eliminate plastic recycling while allowing the county to continue collecting and marketing other recyclable materials that generate revenue, including cardboard, mixed paper and aluminum cans.

Commission Chairman Danny Shears introduced the resolution and noted that the change was being made at the recommendation of the county's solid waste department.

During discussion, Cox explained that unlike other recyclable materials, plastics have become a financial burden for the county.

“Plastic is costing us money to recycle,” Cox told commissioners. “We have to pay Birmingham Recycling Recovery to come and pick our plastic up.”

The cost has risen steadily over time and now stands at $65 per ton.

“The price they charge for the plastic pretty much eliminates everything else we do every month,” Cox said.

When asked whether the issue was temporary or part of a recurring market cycle, Cox said the problem has developed over several years.

'It started out good. There's no market for plastic anymore, and it's just slowly gotten worse,' he said.

Cox had consulted with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management regarding the proposal and said the agency concurred with the county's decision.

With no further discussion, commissioners unanimously approved the resolution.

The change will take effect July 1, ending plastic recycling through the county's program while preserving other recycling efforts that continue to generate revenue.

Free Landfill Day set for July 18

Calhoun County residents will have an opportunity to dispose of large household items during the county's quarterly Free Landfill Day on Saturday, July 18.

The event will be held from 7 a.m. until noon at the Calhoun County Landfill on Morrisville Road.

Residents may drop off large and bulky items that are often difficult or expensive to remove through regular garbage service. Accepted materials include appliances, yard waste, shingles, scrap metal, carpet and remodeling debris.

A fee will be charged for household garbage and scrap tires.

The event is limited to Calhoun County residents. Landfill staff will be on-site to direct traffic and assist visitors. Organizers encourage residents to arrive early because participation is typically heavy and the landfill will close promptly at noon.

For more information, residents may call the Calhoun County Landfill at 256-236-2411.

Courtesy: www.annistonstar.com