Closing the Sustainability Loop with the Kaleva Resale Shop
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.
What Is a Sustainability Loop?
A sustainability loop is a system where materials are continuously reused, repurposed, or recycled rather than thrown away. Instead of following the traditional “take–make–waste” model, a sustainability loop focuses on “reuse–repurpose–reinvest.”
At Bay Area Recycling for Community, this means collecting items through our recycling services like pickups, cleanouts, and deconstruction projects, then giving those items a second life in the Kaleva Resale Shop. Every donation and purchase keeps usable goods out of the landfill and supports more recycling programs, creating a closed-loop system that benefits both the planet and our local community.
Where does the Kaleva Resale Shop get its inventory?
1. Daily Drop-Offs
Kaleva residents and nearby communities drop off clothing, household items, and more at our location daily. From tools and toys to books and cookware, these donated goods fuel the shop’s diverse inventory and invite the community to be part of our mission.
2. Deconstruction & Reconstruction Projects
Our de/reconstruction services focus on recovering valuable materials such as wood, cabinetry, light fixtures, doors, and hardware during remodels or demolition projects. These items are then made available at our Kaleva resale shop, providing affordable and sustainable options for DIYers, builders, and anyone looking to renovate with the planet in mind.
In addition to resale, we upcycle salvaged wood into new products like planters, chicken coops, outdoor furniture, and more. This creative reuse helps reduce waste and extends the life of materials that would otherwise be discarded.
We also collaborate with Northern Building Supply, who have generously donated truckloads of surplus inventory, including new doors, hardware, and household supplies. These contributions help expand our selection while supporting our commitment to local partnerships and waste reduction.
3. Pickups & Electronic Recycling
Our residential and commercial pickups, along with our electronic recycling program, offer a responsible way to dispose of unwanted items. Instead of heading to the landfill, many gently used electronics, appliances, and furnishings are inspected, sorted, and sent to the Kaleva shop for resale.
4. Mattress Recycling
At BARC, we dismantle mattresses to responsibly recycle their components using our state of the art mattress recycling equipment. When bed frames, headboards, or other related items are in good shape, they’re rerouted to the resale shop. This effort diverts bulky waste while offering cost-effective options to shoppers.
5. Hotel & Motel Cleanouts
Through BARC’s hotel and motel cleanout services, like our recent partnership with Sugar Beach Resort, we recover high-quality furnishings and décor. These pieces now fill the resale shop with beautiful, durable items while the hotels get a makeover!
6. Store Cleanouts & Donations
When we’re called to clean out retail spaces, we often discover items worth saving—new clothing, and more. These finds are brought to the shop, offering a new life and purpose while supporting BARC’s broader waste-reduction goals.
Shop with Purpose
By operating in synchrony, our nonprofit closes the loop: recovering, repurposing, and reinvesting in the community. The Kaleva Resale Shop is a tangible space where environmental impact meets community empowerment!
Visit us Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM at 14407 Industrial Drive in Kaleva, and take part in a circular economy that benefits everyone. Every donation, every purchase, and every project helps build a more sustainable Northern Michigan.