Recycling Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ #1 – How to get a container emptied?

Please refer to the ‘Getting a Container Emptied’ section to the left.

FAQ #2 - How can I recycle batteries? 

Household batteries (except AAA) & auto batteries are accepted by UAB’s Hazardous Waste facility. Contact 934-3797.

FAQ #3 – Why doesn’t UAB recycle styrofoam?
Logistically & financially, it’s too difficult at this time. Things may change in the future.

FAQ #4 – What about printer cartridges?These are handled differently depending on the maker & the UAB department.

My 1st recommendation is to contact the cartridge company to see if they will recycle them. Some even provide postage. If that doesn’t work, another option is a place such as Cartridge World. (205) 408-0506 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FAQ#5 – Where can I recycle old cell phones, electronics, automotive products, hazardous waste, and other materials that the Drop-Off Center doesn’t specifically accept?

For cell phones & most electronics, contact Technical Knockout - www.technicalko.net. Another option for all materials in general, plus automotive & hazardous waste, is searching via http://earth911.com/

FAQ#6 – I don’t want to dump grease or used cooking oil down my sink because it will clog that up, as well as harm the water system. Where can I recycle this grease or oil I’ve had sitting around?

There is a white shed at the front of the UAB Drop-Off Center that holds gallon jugs for used cooking oil/grease. Empty ones are on the top shelf & can be taken any time, place full ones on the bottom shelf.

FAQ #7 – Why has UAB suspended its glass recycling?

As of Thurs. 5/16, the UAB Recycling Drop-Off Center (D.O.C.) no longer accepts glass for recycling. An explanation from the Alabama Environmental Council:

Dear AEC Supporter:

Our longtime glass recycling partner, Argos (formerly LaFarge NA), is no longer able to accept glass from the Downtown Birmingham Recycling Center. With new chemistry changes in their raw materials, glass cannot be used as an aggregate for their cement manufacturing. As a result, we are no longer able to accept glass for recycling at the Recycling Center until further notice.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
This whole setup was created out of a citizen making some connections and we hope that might happen again this time!

Options include:
1) another local industrial facility that could use glass in their process;
2) transportation company willing to haul glass to Atlanta to the closest recycler;
3) someone in Birmingham area with warehouse or large paved surface and loading equipment that can help transfer from roll-off dumpsters to trailers for transport.
We are deeply sorry for this inconvenience and hope to have a remedy soon. However, as you may know, the AEC's glass recycling efforts are revenue neutral, meaning Argos paid for the shipping of our glass to their facility. They've been a great partner and we greatly appreciate all of their help over the past decade. When we find a similar partnership, then we'll notify you as soon as we're able to accept glass again