Bakersfield Non-Profit Celebrates Innovative Recycling Partnership with Nestlé Dreyer`s and Complete Recycling

Bakersfield Non-Profit Celebrates Innovative Recycling Partnership with Nestlé Dreyer’s and Complete Recycling

Today’s Event Highlights the BARC Program’s One-Year Anniversary

Bakersfield ARC, a non-profit supporting the developmentally disabled, will celebrate today the 12-month milestone of a unique corporate recycling program developed in partnership with one of the city’s largest employers.

Last July, Nestlé Dreyer’s began sending its recyclables to the Bakersfield ARC (BARC) facility for sorting. The non-profit found a source of income and, just as importantly, a project in which to engage the skills of its developmentally disabled workforce.

Jim Baldwin, the President/CEO of BARC, noted, “The Nestlé Dreyer’s efforts have allowed us to provide gainful employment over two dozen developmentally disabled individuals. Here, recycling is not simply about financial benefit and environmental impact – it’s about providing opportunities.”

BARC set up the year-old program in partnership with Complete Recycling, a recycling firm with ties to the non-profit. Complete Recycling, in turn, had been first introduced to BARC by Boxsmart, an important channel partner to the effort.

Nearly 400 people are expected at today’s celebratory event, including employees of Bakersfield ARC (BARC), Nestle Dreyer’s, Complete Recycling and local dignitaries.

In recognition of the event, the Bakersfield City Council has designated today (July 27) as “BARC Day.”

The recycling program, run through BARC’s facility, has been a signature success for Nestlé Dreyer’s. The Bakersfield plant is taking a lead role in the nationwide corporate effort to achieve zero waste.

Greg Clarke, EHS Manager at Nestlé Dreyer’s, noted the BARC partnership exemplifies corporate social responsibility. “With BARC and Complete Recycling, we provide valuable work for our local community while serving the interests of our corporate stakeholders,” says Clark.

Complete Recycling’s General Manager Kevin Flynn echoed Clarke’s assessment, “We are grateful for the opportunity to help facilitate this unique partnership. Today’s celebration recognizes the importance of protecting the environment as well as giving back to the community.”

About BARC, Nestlé Dreyer’s, Complete Recycling and BoxSmart

Bakersfield ARC (BARC) is a non-profit organization that provides job training, employment and support services for the developmentally disabled and their families. BARC offers more than 15 programs that are designed to provide a full circle of support for adults and seniors in the areas of care, work, advocacy, home, family and recreation. More than 400 developmentally disabled adults earn wages while working at a BARC Activity Center, Customized Employment Development program, or in a Supported Employment setting.

Nestlé USA is part of the world’s largest food company and has been named one of America’s Most Admired Food Companies in Fortune magazine for the eleventh consecutive year. Nestlé provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. Nestlé Dreyer’s Bakersfield plant is the largest ice cream plant in the world with over 800 employees.

Complete Recycling designs and manages recycling programs for businesses. The company’s customized recycling programs reduce operating costs and generate profit for client facilities, while making a positive impact on the environment by helping clients reduce their landfill footprint. Complete Recycling’s programs and services are customized to fit the clients’ needs, comprehensive to handle all recyclables with a single point of contact, and transparent for a true business partnership arrangement with their clients.

BoxSmart, a channel partner to Complete Recycling, specializes in the reclamation and reuse of corrugated cardboard boxes.

For more information on the event and participating companies, please contact kduong@completerecycling.com or visit http://barc-inc.org.

Complete Recycling
Jason Svet, Marketing Manager
619.260.2053
press@eastridge.com