Solid Waste

Autauga County, Alabama, like many regions, has a clear responsibility to manage solid waste efficiently to ensure the well-being of its residents and protect the environment. This article provides an in-depth look at how solid waste is managed in Autauga County, detailing the various waste disposal services, recycling programs, and resources available to residents. By understanding the solid waste management system, residents and businesses alike can contribute to a cleaner, healthier community.

Understanding Solid Waste in Autauga County

Solid waste refers to any discarded material that is no longer useful and is typically collected for disposal or recycling. The most common forms of solid waste include household garbage, yard trimmings, and commercial waste. In Autauga County, managing this waste effectively is essential for environmental sustainability and public health.

Types of Solid Waste in Autauga County

Autauga County generates a significant amount of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and other waste types. The most prevalent types include:

Household Waste: This includes everyday trash like food scraps, packaging, and discarded items from homes.

Commercial Waste: Businesses generate waste such as packaging, office materials, and non-hazardous waste from commercial operations.

Construction & Demolition Waste: Resulting from building projects, this waste consists of debris like wood, drywall, and metal materials.

Bulky Waste: Larger items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances fall under this category and require special handling.

Solid Waste Collection in Autauga County

Mandatory Household Trash Collection

Autauga County mandates household trash collection to ensure waste is properly disposed of and does not accumulate, contributing to unsanitary conditions. Residents are required to have regular garbage pickup services arranged through the official solid waste contractor, Meridian Waste.

Residents can set up their service with Meridian Waste by calling toll-free at 1-866-440-3983. New customers or those with questions can reach Meridian Waste from Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM for assistance.

Free Rural Trash Collection

In addition to regular curbside pickup, Autauga County offers free rural trash and bulky item collection services through a dumpster system available on select weekends. These dumpsters are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Locations and times are clearly scheduled throughout the year:

Pine Level: 2nd Saturday of the month (8 AM - Noon)
Joffre: 3rd Saturday of the month (8 AM - Noon)
Milton: 4th Saturday of the month (8 AM - Noon)

For specific collection times and locations, residents can check the Autauga County Solid Waste Management page.

Dumpster Service Guidelines

The county provides dumpster locations for bulky items like furniture and large appliances, excluding prohibited items such as hazardous waste, motor oil, and yard waste. Remember to bring proof of residence (a utility bill) when utilizing these services.

Recycling Programs in Autauga County

Autauga County has several active and planned recycling programs designed to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and promote environmental sustainability. The county supports various local recycling initiatives and is working toward expanding recycling opportunities for residents.

Existing Recycling Programs

City of Prattville: The city operates a recycling center that accepts materials such as paper, aluminum cans, cardboard, and metal. Residents can drop off recyclables at the Recycling Center located at 530 Doster Road.

Town of Eclectic: A recycling program focusing on paper and aluminum is available, with regular pick-up schedules from local businesses and public drop-off locations behind the Fire Station.

Expanding Recycling in the County

Autauga County is looking to enhance its recycling capabilities in the coming years. Efforts include encouraging businesses and residents to separate recyclable materials at the source and participate in community-wide recycling efforts. As part of the county's long-term sustainability goals, recycling infrastructure is expected to grow, allowing for more efficient sorting and processing of recyclables.

Managing Waste Through Disposal Facilities

Autauga County utilizes several waste management facilities to handle different types of waste, from household garbage to construction debris. Below are the facilities serving the county:

Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

Autauga County and nearby areas are served by various MSW landfills. These facilities are permitted by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to accept general household and commercial waste. The main landfill facilities include:

Choctaw County Regional Landfill in Butler (1500 tons per day)
Coffee County Landfill in Elba (1200 tons per day)
Timberlands Sanitary Landfill in Brewton (2500 tons per day)

These landfills are equipped to handle the volume of waste generated in the region for the next several years, providing an essential service for the proper disposal of solid waste.

Construction and Demolition Waste

For construction and demolition debris, the City of Prattville C&D Landfill handles the disposal of building materials and rubble. Other nearby C&D landfills, such as B&B Tire Landfill and Wetumpka Construction/Demolition Landfill, also serve the area.

Illegal Dumping Prevention and Enforcement

Autauga County actively works to prevent illegal dumping through its Solid Waste Officer, who is responsible for investigating violations such as illegal littering, unauthorized disposal, and illegal burning. The county also provides educational campaigns to inform residents about the consequences of illegal dumping, which can include fines and legal action.

Reporting Illegal Dumping

If you witness illegal dumping, you can report it to the Solid Waste Officer at 334-850-7153. The county is committed to maintaining clean and safe environments by addressing illegal waste disposal promptly.

Exemptions for Solid Waste Collection Fees

Autauga County offers a Social Security Exemption for eligible residents, covering the cost of waste collection services. This exemption applies to households whose only income is from Social Security or disability payments. To apply for the exemption, residents must submit an application between September 1st and November 30th each year.

For more information on how to apply for this exemption, you can contact the Autauga County Solid Waste Exemption page.

Solid Waste Departments and Contact Information

If you need more information or have specific questions regarding solid waste services in Autauga County, here are the relevant contact details:

Solid Waste Officer: 334-850-7153
Meridian Waste: 1-866-440-3983
Autauga County Health Department: 334-361-3743
Autauga County Commission Office: 334-358-6700
Prattville Sanitation Department: 334-595-0560

By understanding the services available and following the county’s guidelines, residents and businesses in Autauga County can contribute to a cleaner, greener environment while ensuring efficient waste management throughout the region.

Autauga County Solid Waste FAQs

What services are available for trash collection in Autauga County?

Autauga County provides mandatory household trash collection through Meridian Waste. Residents can arrange their service by contacting Meridian Waste. The service ensures regular pickup and proper waste disposal. For rural residents, the county offers free bulky item collection at designated dumpster locations on select Saturdays. For more details, visit the official Autauga County Solid Waste page.

How can I dispose of bulky items in Autauga County?

The county provides free dumpsters for the collection of bulky items such as furniture and large appliances. These dumpsters are available on a first-come, first-served basis on designated Saturdays each month at specific locations like Pine Level, Joffre, and Milton. To use these services, residents need to bring proof of residence, such as a utility bill.

Is recycling available in Autauga County?

Yes, several municipalities in Autauga County offer recycling programs. For example, Prattville has a recycling center that accepts materials like cardboard, aluminum cans, and metals. Wetumpka and Millbrook also have recycling programs, with materials being sent to facilities like RePower South in Montgomery for processing. Residents can access these services at designated drop-off centers.

What happens if I observe illegal dumping in Autauga County?

If you witness illegal dumping, you should report it to the Autauga County Solid Waste Officer. The county actively works to prevent illegal dumping, with enforcement actions in place for violators. The county also educates the public about the consequences of illegal dumping. Learn more about reporting illegal dumping on the official Autauga County website.

Are there exemptions for solid waste collection fees in Autauga County?

Autauga County offers a Social Security Exemption for eligible residents, covering the cost of waste collection services. This exemption applies to households whose only income is from Social Security or disability payments. To apply, residents must submit their application annually between September 1st and November 30th. For more details, visit the Autauga County Solid Waste Exemption page.