Councilor Wardine Alexander hosting second “Love D7 Environmental Day”
Only about one percent of Birmingham residents actively recycle. This is an issue that the Birmingham City Council has been trying to address in recent months.
In August, Councilor Wardine Alexander began her “Love D7 Environmental Day” which is aimed at raising awareness around recycling, littering and other issues impacting resident’s quality of life. The event is also about taking action.
During the first “Love D7 Environmental Day” four dumpsters were provided for residents to come dispose of large household items that would normally be put on the curb for bulk trash pickup — things like mattresses, old appliances and other items.
“We wanted to give people the opportunity to get rid of these items without cluttering up neighborhoods,” Alexander said. “The goal is to get one person, one household recycling at a time. We want individuals to have the thought process that they can be the change they want to see in the neighborhood. And that can start with recycling.”
Earlier this year the Council approved the license for Birmingham Recycling and Recovery LLC, which is located on 41st Street in Avondale. For years, the facility has handled recycling services for 25 municipalities, including Birmingham. Legion Field also launched a recycling program spearheaded by Councilor Crystal Smitherman.
“We spend roughly $7 million every few years expanding the cells in our city landfills,” Alexander said. “We, as city leaders, need to set an example and make it as easy as possible for residents to recycle because by not doing so, it’s costing the city a lot of money and resources. Not to mention the damage it does on our environment. However, I’ve been encouraged by the steps we’ve made recently.”
Since stepping into office, Alexander has been keenly focused on improving the quality of life in her district, especially as it relates to environmental issues.
“Each environmental event we host is meant to build on the last one,” Alexander said. “This one we have coming up is for residents to be able to bring papers they needed shredded, whether it be old documents or newspapers or whatever they might have around the house. We’ll then take that to be recycled.”
That event will be held at Marino’s Market (1965 Bessemer Road, Birmingham AL, 35208) from 9 am to 1 pm on Friday November 1. Residents are encourages to bring papers that can be shredded and recycled. Please limit two boxes per vehicle.
