$25-Million Recycling Center Opens In Summerdale

The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County, Alabama, Inc. recently opened its new $25-million advanced materials recovery facility (MRF) and commissioned its renewable natural gas plant at 15480 Terra Bella Drive in Summerdale. The MRF is a 60,000-ft² facility that will process up to 40,000 T. of recyclables annually. With advanced sorting technology, it will separate plastics, paper, metals and cardboard to be baled and sold to recycling markets. Constructed by Viridi Energy, the gas plant is adjacent to Magnolia Landfill and will capture and clean methane gases emitted from the landfill and convert them into natural gas. The “renewed” natural gas will then be piped through a 2-mi. pipeline to Riviera Utilities for use as fuel. It is to produce more than 1 million British thermal units of natural gas annually, enough energy to heat more than 2,500 homes. Additionally, a 7,000-ft² Waste & Recycling Adventure Center will provide a hands-on learning experience for students and visitors of all ages. Visitors may explore recycling through interactive games, a sorting challenge and exhibits explaining the recycling process for various wastes. It is composed of 20 stations on two floors with an overlook of the MRF in operation. Tours may be scheduled for a wide range of ages, school groups and interests.