To report Stormwater pollution, call our hotline at (205) 325-5792
To report illegal dumping and trash issues, call (205) 325-5321, Option 6
The Jefferson County Commission is committed to supporting and promoting programs that address public safety and health issues. A key focus of our efforts is the proper disposal of prescription drugs, used cooking oil and grease, and mercury. We also emphasize practices that help maintain the efficiency of our sanitary sewer system. Below are some practical methods for disposing of these items in an environmentally friendly manner, ensuring we do not harm our sewer system.
Household Cooking Oil & Grease
Approximately 75% of all sewer blockages are caused by fats, oils, and grease (FOG) poured or disposed of down sink drains, resulting in significant repair costs each year. To address this issue, Environmental Services has established a FREE and convenient household FOG disposal program available to all residents of Jefferson County.
The goal of this program is to prevent clogged sewers and household pipes, which in turn reduces the number of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). SSOs lead to expensive repairs for the County and can create plumbing issues and costly repairs for residents. Additionally, recycling FOG is a much better option than dumping it on the ground, as this can attract animals and lead to water pollution when it washes into local creeks and streams.There are more than 20 drop-off locations around Jefferson County. Here is how it works:
- . Drop by a location and get a free plastic gallon jug for your grease, or use one of your own. (No glass containers, please.)
- Fill the container with used household FOG that has had time to cool.
- When the container is full, return it to a drop-off location and pick up a new container.
Do you still have questions? Contact Jefferson County’s Environmental Services Department (205-238-3876).
Prescription Drugs
Never flush unwanted prescription drugs down a toilet or pour them down a sink. Water treatment systems cannot remove all of these chemicals from wastewater before releasing it for reuse. The best and safest way to dispose of these items is to drop them off at a designated facility or one of the two biannual drug takeback day events.
The following locations can take your old medications for free.
- Cooper Green Mercy Hospital – a collection container is located in the lobby of their facility to accept medications and prescriptions. Free of charge. 205-930-3200 / 1515 6th Avenue South, Birmingham 35233
- DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events are held biannually in April and October.
- Various businesses have been authorized by the DEA to accept these items in and around Jefferson County. Click here to search for an authorized location near you.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows
The Jefferson County Environmental Services Department is responsible for maintaining and operating over 3,000 miles of sanitary sewer lines that serve approximately 480,000 residents. If you notice a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO), please report it immediately by calling the 24-hour emergency call center at 205-942-0681. You can also view the latest reported overflows.
