New recycling facility expected to save Foley money

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Recycling programs in Foley and other local cities could soon save money as a new facility is planned.

According to a press release, a materials recovery facility planned for Baldwin County could make Foley’s recycling program more cost-effective. That’s because many local cities currently take materials to Florida for processing.

City Administrator Mike Thompson said he expects the city to save labor and truck fuel.

“Our trucks won’t be going nearly as far,” he said.

Foley officials explained that the new facility will replace the city’s current contract with Emerald Coast Utilities Authority in Escambia County, Florida.

By the time it opens in 2025, the city will switch to recycling at the Baldwin County Facility.

“We’re thrilled to death when they get this thing open,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said.

The new facility is set to open by the end of 2024 and will process cardboard, paper, plastic, and aluminum cans, the same materials collected in Foley.

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