Blog
October 1, 2025 // BARC Services
When it comes to everyday recycling, most of us know what to do with bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. But what about the tricky items like old refrigerators, worn-out mattresses, outdated TVs, or broken electronics? These bulky materials are difficult to dispose of properly and too often end up in landfills. When not recycled correctly, some of these items can release harmful toxins into the environment. Others contain valuable materials that could be recovered and reused, giving them a second life in new products.
September 1, 2025 // BARC Services, Events, Good to Know
Managing Recycling During Busy Fall Schedules Fall is the season of transition. Families settle into back-to-school routines, businesses gear up for year-end demands, and communities shift into a faster pace of life after a much-needed summer break. With so much activity, it can be easy for sustainable practices to slip through the cracks. However, living […]
August 7, 2025 // BARC Services, Fun Facts, Good to Know
BARC has been on a mission to transform the way Northern Michigan thinks about recycling, and demolition. Our De/Re Construction program carefully disassembles homes, salvaging materials that would otherwise become landfill waste.
July 3, 2025 // BARC Services, Great Ideas
Small businesses are the heart of Northern Michigan. From bustling coffee shops in Traverse City to roadside farm stands, event venues, and artisan retailers, these local entrepreneurs shape the charm, character, and culture of our region. This Plastic-Free July, we’re spotlighting how these businesses can help protect the natural beauty we all cherish by reducing plastic waste and embracing more sustainable practices.
June 4, 2025 // BARC Services, Kaleva
At BARC, our mission is rooted in creating a cleaner, greener Northern Michigan and the Kaleva Resale Shop is an integral part of that mission. Located at our Kaleva facility, the 10,000-square-foot resale shop is more than just a storefront. It’s a living example of how our many services work in synchrony to keep usable materials out of landfills while giving them new purpose.
May 5, 2025 // BARC Services, Events
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, communities around the world are heading outdoors to celebrate. From iconic music festivals to small local gatherings, events of all sizes are making an effort to reduce waste and ditch single-use plastics. At BARC, we’re proud to be leading the charge right here in Michigan.
April 4, 2025 // Good to Know, In the News
Every April, we get to celebrate Earth Month, a time to reflect on our impact on the planet and celebrate the positive strides being made toward a more sustainable future! Amidst environmental challenges, there are numerous stories of progress that offer hope and motivation. Here are some exciting developments happening around the world that are making a difference!
March 7, 2025 // Good to Know
In a world of endless consumerism, upcycling offers a creative and sustainable way to repurpose and reimagine the things you already own. Whether it’s giving furniture a second life, turning glass jars into storage solutions, or repurposing fabric scraps into trendy accessories, upcycling is a fun and impactful way to reduce waste.
February 3, 2025 // Great Ideas
February is all about love—so why not show some love to the planet? Every small, mindful choice we make adds up, from the way we shop and dine to the gifts we give and the habits we form. This month, let’s embrace sustainability by making thoughtful choices that reduce waste, support local businesses, and give back to the environment.
January 2, 2025 // BARC Services, Fun Facts
It’s never too late to start recycling! While it may feel overwhelming at first, recycling the right way is simple once you understand the basics. The new year is a perfect opportunity to set meaningful goals and make positive changes, starting with how you handle waste.
December 5, 2024 // BARC Services, Fun Facts
Recycle Old Electronics & Batteries with BARC The holiday season is a time for festive celebrations, cherished family moments, and giving thoughtful gifts to loved ones. However, it’s also a season of heightened consumption, with electronics topping many wish lists. According to Capital One’s consumer research, 22% of holiday gift recipients hope to receive new […]
October 30, 2024 // BARC Services, Good to Know, Great Ideas
Recycling vs. Upcycling: What’s the Difference? Most of us know the drill with recycling—sort the bottles, cans, and paper into the blue bin and feel good about doing our part. But upcycling? That’s a whole different ball game of getting creative with waste reduction. Think of it as recycling with a creative twist, turning old […]
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