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Recycling Program

Recycling Announcements

  • January 29th, 2026: ADEM Recycling Grant Workshop (Link to Register Coming Soon)
  • March 2nd, 2026: Grant Application deadline (AEPACS) 

 

General Overview

In 2008, the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act, also known as SWRMMA set forth a Statewide Solid Waste Reduction Goal of 25%. In addition, the Act established a statewide solid waste disposal fee of $1/ton or $0.25/cubic yard for all solid waste disposed in Alabama landfills. The revenues generated by this fee have enabled the Department to add staff necessary to carry out the programmatic requirements of the law.

The four main purposes of the SWRMMA are:

  • Establish a Statewide waste reduction/recycling program, goal and measurement methodology;
  • Provide stable funding for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s solid waste and recycling programs;
  • Establish a grants program for local recycling efforts; and
  • Provide fiscal resources to remediate unauthorized dumps/illegal disposal sites.

 

Statewide Solid Waste Reduction Goal 

 

Recycling Facility Regulations

ADEM Administrative Code 335-13-3 establishes the minimum notification, recordkeeping requirements, and operating standards to Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF), Recovered Materials Processing Facilities (RMPF), Energy Recovery Facility (ERF), and End-use Manufacturing Facilities (EUMF) as defined in 335-13-1-.03. Division 13 Chapter 3 regulations were updated and became in effect on August 15, 2025. 

Registered recycling facilities (PRF000-0000) will have their registration expire on February 11th, 2026. All facilities that are registered with a PRF number will be needed to submit a new application and receive a new registration number (MRF-0000 or RMPF-0000) . All new registrations will be valid for five years. Registration renewals shall be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date. There is no renewal or application fee. 

 

 Type of Registration

  1. Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)

A Materials Recovery Facility, as defined in 335-13-1-.03, may not receive, store, process, or transfer solid waste containing recyclable material without being properly registered with the Department.

  • A MRF is a solid waste management facility that provides for the extraction from solid waste of recyclable materials, materials suitable for use as a fuel or soil amendment, or any combination of those materials.
  • Classified as a solid waste treatment facility and must register with ADEM.

 

2. Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF)

A Recovered Material Processing Facility may not receive, store, process or transfer recovered material without being properly registered with the Department.

  • A RMPF is a facility primarily engaged in the storage, processing, and resale or reuse of recovered materials.
  • Recovered Materials are those materials which have known recycling potential; which can be feasibly recycled; which have been diverted or removed from the solid waste stream for recycling, whether or not requiring subsequent separation and processing; and which have a substantial portion that are consistently used in the manufacture of products which may otherwise be produced from raw or virgin materials. Recovered materials shall not include solvents or materials, except sawdust, bark, and paper materials that are destined for incineration, energy recovery, or any use which constitutes disposal.
  • NOT considered a solid waste management facility, but residual solid waste must still be managed according to all applicable laws.

*Note: If your operation does not clearly match either of these definitions or if you are unsure which classification applies, please contact the Materials Management Section at 334-274-4201 for assistance before submitting your application.

 

 How to Register:

  • Complete and submit the Recycling Facility Registration (MRF or RMPF) – Form 015 – NEW form on AEPACS.

 

Other Facility Types

If your operations fall under one of the following, you are not required to complete this Recycling Facility Registration (MRF or RMPF) – Form 015 – NEW form, but you must submit the notification form to ADEM:

  1. Energy Recovery Facility (ERF)

An Energy Recovery Facility, as defined in 335-13-1-.03, may not receive, store, process or transfer solid waste for energy recovery without being properly registered with the Department.

  • solid waste management facility that is a processor that is subject to 335-13-3-.06.

 

  1. End Use Manufacturing Facility (EUMF)

An End-Use Manufacturing Facility shall register with the Department. The owner or operator of each new End-Use Manufacturing Facility desiring to begin operation after the shall register at least forty-five (45) days prior to receiving materials.

  • An EUMF is a site that converts a recovered or recyclable material to be utilized in place of a raw material and adds value as a final product or as an ingredient in a subsequent product. An end-use manufacturing facility is not a solid waste management facility; however, any solid waste resulting from the operation of a facility shall be subject to all applicable laws and regulations relating to solid waste.

Complete and submit the Recycling Facility Notification (ERF or EUMF) - Form 015 – NEW form on AEPACS.

 

Recycling Facility Reporting Requirements

Recycling facilities are required to submit an annual report to the Department on or before February 15th of each year through the Alabama Environmental Permitting and Compliance System (AEPACS).

Helpful Links & Additional Information:

 

Recycling Grants

Alabama Recycling Fund Grants promote local recycling efforts by providing reimbursement grants to local governments to develop, implement, and enhance recycling programs. ADEM has awarded 321 grants to local governments, municipalities, non-profits, and authorities. 37 million dollars have been awarded for infrastructure, personnel, professional services, education, and outreach.

 Before submitting a grant application, please review ADEM Recycling Fund Grant Guidance Document for a complete guide to applying. 


Who is Eligible for Funding:

  • Local governments – any municipality, county, or district or authority or any agency thereof which has responsibility for and the authority to assure the proper management of solid waste within its jurisdiction, including but not limited to, its collection, disposal, treatment or recycling.
  • Authorities – any quasi-governmental agency, board, or authority created by agreement on behalf of one local government or between two or more local governments for solid waste management or recycling purposes.
  • Nonprofit organizations – a corporation or association where no part of the income or profit of which is distributable to its members, directors, or officers, and is operated pursuant to the requirements of the Code of Alabama 1975, §§ 10-3A-1 to 10-3A-225.

 

Examples of Projects Funded:

  • Recycling bins/containers
  • Recycling storage/bunkers
  • Recycling infrastructure/equipment
  • Education & outreach materials
  • Personnel
  • Professional Services

 

How to Apply:

 

Helpful Links:

A Plan for Boosting Residential Material Recovery and Recycling in Alabama