How does recycling work in our city? What’s the history behind Alabama’s recycling legacy? Whether you live in Birmingham or Hoover, recycling has become a more popular option for waste disposal. As technology has advanced and the demand for such services has increased, cities have had to create innovative approaches to recycling.

Experts from various stages will be together to explore the “State of Recycling in Alabama,” a panel discussion set for Tuesday, April 16 from 6 pm to 8 pm on Hoover Library’s Plaza stage.

Panelists will be: Patrick Byington, reporter for Bham Now and former executive director of the Alabama Environmental Council; Emily Colpack, UAB’s Green Labs Coordinator & Supervisor of the Lab Recycling program; Leigh Shaffer, Sales Manager of Birmingham Recycling and Recovery; Ken Grimes, City Administrator, City of Hoover; and Paul Barber, District Manager of AMWASTE (City of Hoover’s curbside garbage collection provider).

Around the state, recycling programs are on the rise, but still, access to recycling programs are uneven and unpredictable. Throughout the year 2022, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management supported recycling efforts in 27 communities statewide. There is still a long way to go.

Join us as we discuss the history and development of recycling programs around the state and how they are being implemented in our own area.