The Edge of Chaos
Glass Recycling in Birmingham
Action Plan
The following is an action plan for developing a sustainable, economically viable, robust
ecosystem for recycling glass in Birmingham and surrounding areas. This model is the
best option for a long-term solution to Birmingham’s current glass recycling problems.
The action plan is a three-pronged approach. All three prongs are distinct in their goals
and scope, yet have considerable overlap with each other. Consequently, all three
prongs are necessary to successfully develop a long-term solution.
Priority #1: Identifying large-scale recycled glass end users (Economic
Capital)
Scope: Short-Term
This is the immediate goal. Birmingham has a thriving community of local artists and
other small-scale end users who can add value to recycled glass, but ultimately,
industrial users will be needed. These users will form the economic backbone of the
glass recycling ecosystem in Birmingham.
Whether these users are located in Birmingham already or they are located elsewhere,
the primary issue is to identify their demand for glass recycled glass. For this project to
work, we must ensure that the supply of recycled glass in Birmingham matches the end
users’ demands. Identifying the material flow necessary to conduct industrial
operations will help finalize a realistic list of potential industrial partners.
Transportation cost is a major deterrent to glass recycling. By finding local partners or
attracting partners from out of the state, we can help cut down on transportation costs if
Birmingham can adequately and consistently meet the demands of these end users,
thereby creating the basis for an economically viable glass recycling ecosystem. If
Birmingham can demonstrate the ability to consistently and affordably supply even a
few end users with glass, this creates a positive perception that can be used to instill
confidence in other users and help attract more end users to the area.
Priority #2: Encouraging city officials to create a climate favorable to glass
recycling (Political Capital)
Scope: Mid-Term
Once potential end users have been identified, the next step is getting city officials from
various municipalities to work together to help create an environment conducive to
glass recycling in Birmingham. This will require collaboration from state officials, city
officials, and local citizens. The process should begin formally with a draft of proposals
submitted to the relevant parties.
Unless the legislation becomes more favorable to users of recycled glass, any solution
will be doomed in the long-run. Therefore, it is imperative to get everyone on the same
page and create a stable operating ecosystem for industrial end users. City officials must
recognize the benefits their municipalities stand to gain by working together, politically,
economically, and environmentally.
However, the scope of this priority is considered mid-term, because until some progress
has been achieved with respect to finding potential end users of recycled glass, city
officials have no incentive to budge. With a definite plan, pressure from local citizens
and potential industrial partners, and some deft political maneuvering, political capital
in the Birmingham area can be swung from an anti-glass recycling stance to a pro-glass
recycling stance. This will improve the image of Birmingham nationally, help attract
even more end users, and possibly even revitalize areas of Birmingham economically.
Priority #3: Developing a nucleus of research and innovation related to
glass recycling (Human Capital)
Scope: Long-Term
Once a seed of potential end users exist, and the environment becomes favorable due to
cooperation from local officials, the final key in developing a robust ecosystem comes
from finding new uses for recycled glass. This type of innovation and creativity is only
possible with human capital, which Birmingham certainly has.
If UAB and the Edge of Chaos can help lead the way, Birmingham can become a new
hotspot for research in green technologies, specifically those related to recycled glass.
This type of research not only brings lot of attention to UAB and Birmingham, but it can
also help generate local enterprises based off of local research. In essence, a base of
recycled glass end users can be generated locally. Undoubtedly this type of economic
growth will be welcomed by all parties.
Research and innovation do not happen overnight; thus, this is considered a long-term
effort. Nevertheless, it is important to get started early. If a small group of industrial
end users can be initially attracted, it is possible that they will be willing to financially
help any research efforts going on in the community, particularly if they stand to gain
somehow. Furthermore, if city officials are receptive to our proposals, it is likely that
municipalities will also aid in the funding process. As a result, the first two priorities
can help the third priority. In the end, facilitating research and innovation in
Birmingham can help augment the already vibrant academic community and make
Birmingham an example for the rest of the nation.
As one can see, while all three priorities are distinct, they overlap significantly. Though
the scopes are different, all three prongs must be acted upon simultaneously to see
substantial progress. To accomplish these goals, we must have people from different
areas of expertise coming together. The economic, political, and human capital of
Birmingham must be harnessed to develop a robust glass recycling ecosystem in
Birmingham.
Action Items
Proposed Steps of Implementation
Step 1 – Develop and maximize current glass recycling infrastructure in Birmingham

Define AEC’s role and short term needs
o Identify suitable locations to store recycled glass
o Determine what additional equipment is needed

Calculate the current output of recycled glass in the area, and maximum possible
output that can be continuously sustained

Find and recruit local end users of recycled glass in the community that can add
value to glass (tier 1 users)
Step 2 – Encourage city officials to create a climate favorable to glass recycling

Work closely with ADEM to understand process of obtaining grants and
introducing legislation

Identify key political players in the municipalities

Draft a proposal and submit to each municipality
o Proposal can be for obtaining grant money used to fund research in glass
recycling or to obtain equipment/facilities needed by AEC
o Proposal can also be for legislation creating incentives for potential end
users of glass to move to Birmingham

Convince each municipality to work together
Step 3 – Create foundation for long-term solution to glass recycling problems in
Birmingham

Compile a list of industrial end users (tier 3 users) around Alabama and
surrounding states

Determine potential candidates
o This will be done primarily by analyzing material flow needs and
matching Birmingham’s supply with the necessary demand
o Secondarily, learn what type of environment, physical and financial,
these candidates typically operate in

Generate ideas for new uses for recycled glass
o Speak to engineering department at UAB and other universities to
gauge interest and feasibility
o Bring academics and professionals together to interact, thereby
sparking new ideas

Successfully link together funding and innovation to create a proactive culture
of innovation in the long-term
o Possibly get industrial end users to contribute funding
o Possibly get ADEM grant money