Baldwin County Materials Recovery Facility

Baldwin County MRF Sets New Standard for Recycling and Public Education

LaBella Associates provided full-service design and construction administration for the Baldwin County Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), delivering a long-term, flexible solution for Baldwin County’s recycling needs.

The 62,000 sq. ft. facility includes:

A 50,000 sq. ft. recycling material receiving and processing area equipped with state-of-the-art sorting technology, including four optical sorters and a full suite of recycling equipment provided by Green Machine.
A 12,000 sq. ft. office building that houses the Baldwin County Solid Waste Disposal Authority and a large public outreach and education center.

LaBella’s integrated design services included civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, and operational support disciplines. The design team worked closely with the County to ensure the facility not only met current needs but could also adapt to future changes in recycling trends, waste stream composition, and commodity markets.

Site and Funding Support

LaBella conducted extensive site investigations to confirm environmental and structural suitability, including:

Topographic and boundary surveys
Soil borings and load-bearing evaluations
Wetlands and threatened species assessments
Cultural resource assessments in partnership with the University of Alabama

The firm also supported Baldwin County in securing diverse public and private funding sources—including the USDA, US EPA, the State of Alabama, and The Recycling Partnership—by preparing technical summaries, cost estimates, and grant graphics.

Sustainable Features

The project incorporates rubber-modified asphalt (RMA) in its pavement, using ground tire rubber in the asphalt binder. This sustainable practice improves performance and durability while diverting scrap tires from landfills and giving them a second life.

Construction and Economic Impact

The project’s Notice to Proceed was issued on September 19, 2023. Substantial completion was achieved on March 1, 2025, and the facility opened to the public shortly thereafter. LaBella remained engaged throughout construction, providing administration, coordination, and quality assurance services to ensure a successful outcome.

Interactive hands-on educational experience stations

Optical sorters and a full suite of recycling equipment

15 tph

Max processing rate, with normal operations at 5 tph (40 tpd)

Jobs initially created with the potential of 25

A Center for Community Engagement

In addition to operational functionality, the facility includes a prominent community-facing component. The Waste & Recycling Adventure Center, designed by Whirl Wind Creative, is a two-story, 7,000 sq. ft. hands-on educational experience comprised of 20 interactive stations. It includes a mezzanine-level overlook where visitors can view the recycling process in action—from single-stream materials arriving on the tipping floor to their movement through separator screens, optical and metal sorters, and eventual baling for transport to manufacturers.

Tours are available for a wide range of ages and audiences. Multimedia-equipped meeting rooms also support training for County staff and public education sessions. With rising interest in recycling in Alabama, the center plays a vital role in raising awareness, promoting circular economy principles, and engaging the next generation in environmental stewardship.

Data-Driven Design

Design of the MRF processing system was informed by a six-month waste stream and recycling practices study, which assessed:

The composition of Baldwin County’s waste stream
Infrastructure and technology needs
Projected recycling rates and potential material recovery revenue

Based on this analysis, LaBella assisted with equipment selection prioritizing durability, lifecycle value, and flexibility for future upgrades or system reconfigurations. The facility is designed to process 40 tons per day.

Project Video

Inside Baldwin County’s Bold Step Toward Sustainability: A Look at the Summerdale Recycling Initiative

Get a quick glimpse into the heart of the Baldwin County Materials Recovery Facility project. Highlighting a groundbreaking recycling initiative in Summerdale, Alabama, this video provides an overview of the project’s goals, operations, and positive impact on the community—showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

A Landmark Moment for Baldwin County

On March 20, 2025, Baldwin County celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility in Summerdale, AL. The event marked the beginning of a new era of recycling accessibility for one of Alabama’s fastest-growing regions.

Dignitaries, residents, and project stakeholders gathered to recognize the significance of the 62,000 sq. ft. facility.

LaBella Associates is proud to have been a trusted partner to Baldwin County, providing turnkey professional services from the initial needs assessment through construction completion.