Frequently Asked Questions About Recycling
Becoming a recycling pro is a process, especially since there are many ways to recycle things you no longer need or want. Luckily, we’ve answered many of the same questions over the years and have decided to make a handy guide for all our recycling enthusiasts. Whether you’ve recycled your whole life or are just starting, this blog will help answer your top questions about recycling and other services we offer!
Electronics Recycling FAQs
Where To Drop Off Electronics for Recycling?
At BARC, we recycle anything with a battery or a cord in partnership with eRecycle TC. This local company collects old and unused electronics, computers, and technology. Together, we properly recycle, reuse, or re-purpose your electronics while protecting the environment. You can drop off your electronics at our locations in Traverse City and Kaleva during office hours. Learn more by visiting the Electronics Recycling page on our website.
Where To Take TV To Recycle?
Bring your old television to BARC; we will safely recycle it, so you don’t have to worry about making sure it doesn’t end up in a landfill. When it’s time to say goodbye to your television, finding a reputable organization to recycle it is essential. Are you curious about what will happen to it once you drop it off? A flat-screen LCD TV comprises two thin sheets of glass, which we can take to a company that uses the glass to make ceramic tiles. These tiles can be used for a bathroom remodel, kitchen backsplash, and more! If you have any other questions, fill out the form on our Electronics Recycling page and check out our pricing sheet for more details.
How To Get Rid of Old Refrigerators?
Refrigerators contain freon, which has to be carefully disposed of by experts. Since 1992, freon disposal has been regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Clean Air Act. Luckily, you can get rid of your old refrigerators with BARC. We will take your fridge and reclaim the freon for a minimal charge, if you claim a local rebate, you can get double the cost back! For more information, visit the Refrigerator Recycling page on our website.
Where To Do Freon Disposal?
A certified facility with special equipment and expertise must evacuate the freon in household appliances. Luckily, BARC is the place to turn to when you recycle an old refrigerator, freezer, dehumidifier, or air conditioner! We will reclaim the freon from your old appliances, just drop them off at one of our locations! Electric companies offer rebate programs for the correct disposal of appliances containing freon. If you are located in the Traverse City area, you can learn more about rebates for recycling at Cherryland Electric Cooperative and Traverse City Light and Power.
How To Throw Away a Freezer?
Like refrigerators, freezers also contain freon, which needs to be disposed of by a certified facility. Luckily, you can drop them off or schedule a pickup with BARC. We will take the freezer and reclaim the freon for a minimal charge, just make sure to claim a local rebate.
Where to Recycle Batteries?
If you want to recycle batteries, BARC will take care of all your battery recycling needs! We will properly take and dispose of lead acid batteries for $5. We can also dispose of regular batteries for $2 per lb. Review our Electronics Recycling page for more information on recycling batteries.
Mattress Recycling FAQs
What To Do With Old Mattress?
When your mattress has seen better days, and it is time to get a new one, it can be hard to figure out what to do with an old mattress. Luckily, Bay Area Recycling for Community is the place to go when looking to clear out your unwanted mattress and box spring. You can either drop off your old mattress at one of our locations or schedule a pickup and we will come to you! For more information, review the Mattress Recycling page on our website.
How To Dispose of an Old Mattress?
You can bring your old mattress to one of our facilities in both Traverse City and Kaleva. We accept and encourage drop-offs during our hours of operation, which can be found on our website! You can also schedule a pickup; we serve the Northern Michigan counties of Grand Traverse, Antrim, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Benzie, and Manistee. For more information on mattress recycling pricing, please refer to the pricing sheet available on our website.
If you are interested in how we dispose of old mattresses, here are some common things we can do with the parts from our What Happens to What You Recycle With BARC article.
- Memory Foam: The most common form of filling inside a mattress is memory foam made from polyurethane, which can be made into carpet underlayment or dog beds.
- Mattress Quilt: The mattress quilt is super absorbent and can be made into absorbent products.
- Mattress Springs: Most mattress coils are made from tempered steel, which can be made into various metal products. We even had local Traverse City artists make whimsical wind chimes out of them!
- Shoddy Pads: Some mattresses contain cotton or shoddy pads to cover and soften the harsh metal springs. These can be utilized for textiles!
- Box Spring: A mattress box spring usually contains a wooden frame, which can be broken down into wood chips for fuel or mulch.
How To Get Rid of a Box Spring?
You can bring your old box spring to one of our facilities in both Traverse City and Kaleva. We accept and encourage drop-offs during our hours of operation, which can be found on our website! You can also schedule a pickup; we serve the Northern Michigan counties of Grand Traverse, Antrim, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Benzie, and Manistee. For more information on box spring recycling pricing, please refer to the pricing sheet available on our website.
General Recycling FAQs
Why Is Recycling Important?
Recycling is crucial to reducing waste sent to landfills and preventing unnecessary pollution. Recycling also helps conserve energy and natural resources, which are both essential to our everyday lives here on Earth. At BARC, we recognize how vital recycling is to the community here in Northern Michigan, which is one of the main reasons we choose to offer comprehensive recycling services and eco-friendly products for homes, businesses, and events.
What Is Upcycling vs. Recycling?
Upcycling and Recycling are key terms for reusing materials to create something new. However, they are not the same thing. Recycling involves the destruction of waste in order to create something new. For example, TV recycling involves separating the television and using the glass in ceramic tile production. In contrast, upcycling takes waste and creates something new from it in its current state. When you upcycle something, the original form is retained, and the object is recognizable, so you can see what it was before. For example, we create repurposed planters from materials we saved from demolition projects in the area. Below is a picture so you can see that although this would is now being used to hold flowers, you can see that the wood has been repurposed from a prior state!
How Can I Conserve Energy?
Conserving energy is a great way to minimize your carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. Here are three ways to conserve energy:
- Utilize Natural Light: When applicable, use natural light instead of turning on the lights in your home.
- Unplug Appliances: When you aren’t using your applicants, it’s important to try to unplug them. Even if you aren’t actively using them, applicants still use energy if plugged in.
- Heating and Cooling Management: Heating and cooling your home can use a ton of energy, so managing how much you are using is crucial.
If you have questions not answered in this blog, please feel free to contact our team using the contact information on our website.