The Baldwin County Commission has been awarded a 2025 National Association of Counties Achievement Award recognizing innovative county government programs in the Community and Economic Development category.

The Award highlights the new $25 million, 62,000-square-foot Material Recovery Facility (MRF) that processes up to 40,000 tons of recyclables annually. By diverting these materials from landfills, the MRF advances environmental sustainability while supplying clean, reusable feedstock to local manufacturers.

Many factors go into a community’s ability to have sustainable, healthy growth. The MRF is one of those factors. Thankfully, five years ago, the Commission’s vision along with a Solid Waste Director’s leadership started a journey of research and partner-building to bring this resource to Baldwin County which will not only enhance protecting our limited resources but provide an economic resource. Such a realization became very apparent when Novelis, a global leading expert in recycling aluminum, selected Baldwin County to build one of the largest recycled aluminum rolling plants in the world.

Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood stated: “Recycling is more than waste management—it’s a long-term investment in our environment and economy. Including an education component at the MRF ensures we’re not only processing materials but also preparing future generations to value and protect our resources.”

become a thing of the past. The future lies in reuse, recycling, and responsible innovation.”

The Baldwin County Commission is strategically committed to preserving the community’s resources while providing economic opportunities creating a well-balanced high-quality community to work, live and play.