Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Sustainable Recycling Solutions
Bay Area Recycling for Community (BARC) is a Traverse City, Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming recycling practices while supporting local communities. We provide comprehensive recycling services for homes, businesses, and events, ensuring environmentally responsible waste management. Our team specializes in electronics recycling, refrigerator and mattress disposal, zero-waste event planning, and large-scale recycling initiatives. Through our De/Re Construction program, we salvage materials from demolition sites to build affordable tiny homes, addressing both environmental and housing challenges. 100% of our profits fund local charities, reinforcing our commitment to community impact.With decades of combined experience in sustainable practices, our team prioritizes transparency, ethical operations, and client satisfaction. We serve Northern Michigan counties including Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie, offering pickup services and educational resources to promote eco-conscious living. Our partnerships with local organizations and government entities further amplify our ability to create lasting environmental and social value.
Services
Electronics Recycling
Refrigerator Recycling
Mattress Recycling
Zero Waste Events
Large Scale Recycling
De/Re Construction
Composting
Resale Shop
Industrial Recycling
Community Education
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer comprehensive recycling services for homes, businesses, and events.
- Our team ensures venues are left in better condition after events.
- We provide zero-waste event solutions with full-service support.
- 100% of profits support local charities.
- Experienced in large-scale recycling events including e-waste and mattress recycling.
What people say
Dedicated team
Peace of mind
Net-zero events
Great partner
Venue cleanup
Services
Electronics Recycling
We recycle all electronics containing batteries or cords, including TVs, computers, and appliances. Our HIPAA-certified partners ensure data security while preventing toxic materials from entering landfills. This service helps Northern Michigan residents and businesses responsibly dispose of outdated technology while recovering valuable resources for reuse.
Zero Waste Events
Our team provides full-service waste management for weddings, festivals, and corporate events. We offer DIY kits, delivery/setup, and on-site staff to sort compostable, recyclable, and landfill materials. This service helps event planners achieve sustainability goals while maintaining venue cleanliness and regulatory compliance.
De/Re Construction
We deconstruct buildings to salvage reusable materials, which are then transformed into affordable tiny homes. This program diverts construction waste from landfills while addressing housing shortages. Homeowners receive tax rebates for participating, and builders can partner with us for material discounts and sustainability certifications.
Mattress Recycling
We process over 400,000 mattresses annually through bulk and individual recycling programs. Our system recovers steel, foam, and fabric for industrial reuse while preventing 40 cubic feet of waste per mattress from entering landfills. Hotels and institutions receive volume discounts for large-scale mattress disposal needs.
Community Education
We provide educational resources about proper recycling techniques, hazardous waste disposal, and sustainable living practices. Our outreach programs partner with schools, businesses, and government agencies to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement in Northern Michigan.
People
Andy Gale
President & General Manager
Andy leads BARC's operations with a focus on community impact and sustainable business practices. He oversees strategic partnerships and event coordination, ensuring seamless execution of recycling programs across Northern Michigan.
Jordan Byron
Compostable Serviceware Sales Manager
Jordan manages BARC's compostable product inventory and educates clients about sustainable event planning. He works closely with vendors to expand eco-friendly alternatives for large-scale events and businesses.
Kevin Cook
Kaleva Plant Manager
Kevin supervises material processing operations at BARC's Kaleva facility. He ensures efficient sorting and recycling of electronics, mattresses, and industrial waste while managing the facility's resale store expansion.
Karla Smith-Kasten
Recycling Coordinator
Karla coordinates residential and business recycling programs, including pickup scheduling and service inquiries. She manages the Traverse City resale store and develops community donation guidelines.
Audrey Lawens
Resale Store Manager
Audrey oversees BARC's resale operations, managing inventory and volunteer teams. She implements strategies to expand the store's impact in diverting reusable materials from landfills while supporting local charities.
Questions
What types of electronics do you recycle?
We recycle any device with a battery or cord including TVs, computers, printers, small appliances, and mobile phones. Refrigerators require special handling through our appliance recycling program.
Do you offer pickup services for large recycling projects?
Yes, we provide pickup services within 30 miles of Traverse City for $90, with additional fees for locations beyond this radius. Special arrangements can be made for bulk recycling needs.
How can I make my event zero waste?
We offer three options: DIY kits with bins, delivery/setup service, or full-service staffed waste management. Our team helps plan appropriate bin quantities and provides educational materials for guests.
What happens to recycled mattresses?
Mattresses are disassembled to recover steel, foam, and fabric materials. Components are processed for industrial reuse, preventing 40 cubic feet of waste per mattress from entering landfills.
Do you accept donations at the resale store?
Yes, we accept donations following specific guidelines available on our website. Items must be clean, intact, and free of bed bug infestations to ensure safe resale and community reuse.
How does BARC support local charities?
100% of our profits fund local charities. By using our recycling services or shopping at our resale store, customers directly contribute to community organizations and charitable causes in Northern Michigan.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Dave Munson
Nov 11, 2021
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Critical:Responsiveness
Don't try and contact this place. They don't answer their phone and don't return your calls after leaving several voice messages. Guess I'll have to keep searching for a company that actually wants my business.
Don't try and contact this place. They don't answer their phone and don't return your calls after leaving several voice messages. Guess I'll have to keep searching for a company that actually wants my business.
Elizabeth Linabury
Jul 28, 2021
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I believe they are charging way too much for appliance recycling pickup. I was going to be charged $70 to have a wall ac unit picked up. These expenses charges make it extremely difficult for low income individuals to recycling anything. I have also found 2 other recycling business that will pick it up for free. One even offered me $50 for recycling my old appliance.I wish this company the best of luck.
Marta Wyngaard
Sep 08, 2020
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Sometimes you have an old mattress or an old TV to get rid off, this is the place. I had some construction material (siding) they received. For $ 5.00 fee, I took things from my garage and brought here. Very nice solution, a d very nice service.
Kendall Rose
Nov 19, 2019
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I could not give a higher recommendation for using the services of BARC for your private events and weddings. I am a wedding planner based in Traverse City, and work with my couples who are interested in having a low/zero waste wedding and are conscious about recycling, composting, and returnables. BARC makes this process smooth and efficient, providing on-site waste stations and setup for your event at an extremely reasonable cost and offers delivery and pickup service as well. When we are working with less than a full service catering team (for example, a food truck wedding), we enlist the services
Matt Nester
Jun 14, 2018
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Great service, NEW LOCATION>> BARC is now located near the Beach Bums filed on M-37 just north of Chums Corners. They don't take any furniture, that goes to Waste Management off of Hammond Rd.
