This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
UAB Recycling Center in Birmingham, AL earns a mixed‑but‑positive verdict from recent (limited) reviews: 72/100. Reviewers praise helpful staff, clearly labeled bins, and quick, easy drop‑offs; it’s viewed as a vital public option since other sites closed. Recurring drawbacks: limited hours (confusing or inconvenient), occasional rude interactions and unclear signage. Materials accepted are decent (cardboard, #1–2 plastics, aluminum, small e‑waste, cooking grease) but limited—no glass and no large appliances. Wait times are short; pricing/payment info is unclear in reviews.
A lot of recycling options: clean cardboard & paper, cooking grease & oil (think it needs tk be in their containers…but not sure) aluminum cans, scrap metal (nothing big like deep freezers or washers/dryers), small/medium electronics and appliances, and plastics #1 & #2 (no plastic bags).
Rude. Incredibly rude staff. I can't speak for everyone who works there, but the person I encountered was condescending, and full of disdain. The signage is incredibly vague. This was the first time I went to this facility, but not my first time going to a recycling center by any means. I was spoken to like I was a stupid, and chastised for putting an item in the "wrong" bin that is incorrectly labeled. Truly, this person could have nicely pointed this out. The entire interaction was rude, and incredibly unnecessary. I was so thrilled to learn that this facility was available to the public, but I am so disheartened that the staff is so bitter. I understand that dealing with the public is tiring, but to take your personal feelings out on others who have not done anything to you is completely uncalled for.
Great location and really happy there is a public location for recycling in JeffCo. This location is manned whenever I go (please look at the hours.) I'm interested in their eWaste recycling as well. The only ding I'd have is they only accept #1&2 plastics and do not accept glass.
We had accumulated quite a pile of cardboard from deliveries over the holidays. We usually take our cardboard to Publix, but felt like this was a bit much for them. The UAB Recycling website gave the hours and what is accepted. We were in and out quite quickly. The only stutter, since this was the first time we've been to this facility, was the "Employees Only" sign on the gate we were told to go through. It might benefit to have some more signage posted with a bit of additional information.
Witnessed a worker last night, as I drove into the center to ask him the hours of recycling cause the gates were open and there was not a sign stating such, sleeping in the truck with the engine running. Great use of resources UAB recycling considering Birmingham has a constant air quality problem!
UAB Recycling Center is doing a great job taking up the slack since other recycling centers have closed. Hopefully due to the fact UAB Recycling Center is now the go to place for recycling they will get funding to expand and also take more varieties of plastics or cocider helping Birmingham start a curb side recycling. Another solution is to have stations in convienant areas like they do for clothing donations to charities. Another thought is to hire students to have a recycling pick up service for a monthly charge to us who would willingly pay to recycle because we are good stuards.
Wish this place was open more days of the week! I don't have recycling at my apartment so I just bring bags or boxes full of recyclables. Usually there is a person there if you need help unloading.
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