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How To Handle Hard-to-Recycle Items

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 But what about the tricky items like old refrigerators, worn-out mattresses, outdated TVs, or broken electronics?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.

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Sustainable Living Tips: Managing Recycling During Busy Fall Schedules

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 […]

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Building Northern Michigan’s Future with BARC’s De/Re Construction Program

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.

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Plastic-Free July 2025: How To Reduce Plastic Waste as a Small Business Owner

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.

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How Resale & Recycling Work Together in Kaleva

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.

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Inspiring Ideas for Hosting a Zero Waste Events in Michigan

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.

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Start Fresh, Recycle Right: Building Sustainable Habits in 2025

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.

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electronics

How To Recycle Old Electronics & Batteries with BARC

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 […]

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Recycling vs. Upcycling: What’s the Difference?

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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Enjoying the Fall Season, Sustainably

August 29, 2024 // BARC Services, Events, Fun Facts

Harvesting Sustainability This Fall Season As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, the start of fall brings with it a season of true natural beauty here in Northern Michigan. Sunday, September 22 marks the first day of fall, and it’s the perfect time to consider how we can make the most […]

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Building Community Through Green Events

July 3, 2024 // BARC Services, Events

Building Sustainable Communities In Northern Michigan & Beyond At Bay Area Recycling for Community, our mission is to cultivate an eco-conscious culture throughout Northern Michigan. One of the ways we do this is by offering a diverse array of sustainable services, including organizing zero-waste and recycling events across the state. By uniting communities through environmentally […]

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BARC Sustainable Service Spotlight: De/Re Construction

June 13, 2024 // BARC Services

BARC De/Re Construction Service Spotlight De/Re Construction is one of the many services we offer at BARC. Although it’s only a small part of our overall operations, De/Re makes a huge impact! Over the years, we’ve undertaken a diverse array of exciting De/Re projects across Michigan, gaining invaluable insights into effective home recycling. From remodeling […]

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