What To Do With Hard-to-Recycle Items in Northern Michigan?

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 But what about the tricky items like old refrigerators, worn-out mattresses, outdated TVs, or broken electronics?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

So, what should you do with these hard-to-recycle items? If you live in Northern Michigan, the answer is simple: bring them to Bay Area Recycling for Community (BARC). We provide convenient, affordable, and environmentally responsible solutions for recycling items that don’t fit in your curbside bin. From appliances to mattresses, BARC helps residents and businesses recycle responsibly while protecting our community and environment. Let’s take a closer look at the process and how you can get started.

Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling

Old refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners contain freon, a chemical that must be handled by a certified facility. Since 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency has required special equipment and expertise for freon disposal under the Clean Air Act.

BARC makes this process simple. We ensure freon is safely removed and the rest of the appliance is recycled properly. Local electric companies also offer rebates for proper appliance recycling, including Cherryland Electric Cooperative and Traverse City Light & Power.

Electronics Recycling

Each year, millions of pounds of electronic waste end up in landfills. These devices can take hundreds of years to break down, leaking chemicals along the way. Electronic recycling with BARC prevents waste and recovers valuable resources. Items accepted include:

  • Computers, laptops, and towers
  • TVs and monitors
  • Printers and household electronics
  • Batteries

Basically, if it has a battery or a cord, BARC can recycle it! In partnership with HIPAA-certified eRecycle TC, we recycle, reuse, or repurpose electronics while keeping harmful toxins out of Northern Michigan’s air, water, and soil. Here are a few examples:

Batteries – For batteries, the recycling process separates the plastic, lead, and electrolyte so each can be reused safely: plastic is turned into new battery cases, lead is recycled into new battery grids, and electrolyte can be repurposed for glass, textiles, or even new batteries.

TVs – Outdated or broken televisions are another common hard-to-recycle item. At BARC, when you recycle a TV with us, the components are carefully separated and repurposed. For example, the glass from LCD or flat-screen TVs can be reused to make ceramic tiles, while metals and plastics are recovered for new products.

Mattress Recycling

Michigan landfills receive more than 400,000 mattresses every year, taking up valuable space and releasing harmful emissions as they decompose. At BARC, we make recycling mattresses and box springs simple, whether you drop them off at our Traverse City location or schedule a pickup across our six-county service area. For years, our team disassembled mattresses by hand, an essential yet challenging process. Thanks to a $500,000 grant from EGLE, we now have cutting-edge automation to revolutionize our operations. With this new equipment, 2025 marks a game-changing year for BARC, allowing us to increase recycling capacity, improve efficiency, and reclaim even more valuable materials!

Once we receive your mattress, the materials are carefully separated and repurposed: memory foam is transformed into carpet underlayment or pet beds, quilted layers become absorbent materials, steel springs are recycled into new metal products, or even turned into local art like wind chimes, and the wooden frames from box springs are broken down into mulch or fuel. Even the cotton pads that cover the springs are reused in textiles, giving every component a second life!

Furniture, Appliances, and Construction Recycling

BARC also helps recycle bulky household items and construction debris. From couches and recliners to windows, doors, and lumber, we can handle the items that don’t fit in curbside bins. Recycling fees vary depending on the item, but every piece recycled helps divert waste from Northern Michigan landfills. Some things in good condition can even be repurposed or donated at our Kaleva Resale Shop!

Schedule A Pickup

We understand that transporting large items isn’t always possible, which is why BARC offers scheduled pickups. Pickups are typically $90 within 30 miles of Traverse City, with a small additional charge for locations beyond that range, and they usually run on Mondays, scheduled one to two weeks in advance. Our team provides flexibility by calling or texting when they’re on the way, and whenever possible, items can be placed outside to avoid the need to be home.

Recycling fees cover the cost of safe handling and processing. For a full list of items and fees, see our pricing sheet.

Keeping Northern Michigan Clean

At Bay Area Recycling for Community, our mission is to make recycling easier and more accessible for everyone. By choosing BARC for your hard-to-recycle items, you help reduce landfill waste, recover valuable resources, and support a cleaner, greener Northern Michigan.