10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ý Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012

or

o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File No. 000-19621

APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 41-1454591 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

7400 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Address of principal executive offices) 55426-4517 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  952-930-9000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, without par value Title of each class NASDAQ Capital Market Name of each exchange on which registered

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes ý No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. o Yes ý No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ý Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such file). ý Yes o No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). o Yes ý No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of $4.18 per share, as of June 30, 2012 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $19,883,683.

As of March 20, 2013, there were outstanding 5,555,927 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, without par value.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 9, 2013, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

		Page
PART I
Item 1.	Business	3
	General	3
	Industry Background	3
	Company Background	4
	Customers and Source of Supply	7
	Company Operations	7
	Principal Products and Services	8
	Sales and Marketing	8
	Seasonality	8
	Competition	9
	Government Regulation	9
	Employees	10
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	10
Item 2.	Properties	14
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	15
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	15
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Our Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	16
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	17
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	18
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	28
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	29
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	52
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	52
Item 9B.	Other Information	53
PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance	53
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	54
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters	54
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	54
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	54
PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	56
Signatures		57
Index to Exhibits		58

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PART I

ITEM 1.     BUSINESS

General

Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Subsidiaries (“we,” the “Company” or “ARCA”) are in the business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned stores under the name ApplianceSmart, Inc.^®  We also provide turnkey appliance recycling and replacement services for electric utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs through our subsidiaries ARCA Recycling, Inc. and ARCA Canada Inc.  In addition, we have a 50% interest in a joint venture, ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (“AAP”), which recycles appliances generated from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States for General Electric Company (“GE”) acting through its GE Appliances business component.

We are a leading retailer and recycler of major household appliances and generate revenues from:

1. Retail sales of appliances at our ApplianceSmart stores.

2. Fees charged for collecting and recycling appliances for utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs.

3. Fees charged for recycling and replacing old appliances with new ENERGY STAR® appliances for energy     efficiency programs sponsored by electric and gas utilities.

4. Selling byproduct materials, such as metals, from appliances that we recycle, including appliances collected through our ApplianceSmart stores and processed at AAP.

5. Sale of carbon offsets created by the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants acquired through various recycling programs.

We were incorporated in Minnesota in 1983, although through our predecessors we began our appliance retail and recycling business in 1976.  Our principal office is located at 7400 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55426-4517.  References herein to our Company include our operating subsidiaries.  (See “Exhibits.”)

Industry Background

In the United States, more than 850 million major household appliances are currently in use.  These appliances include:

Refrigerators	Washers
Freezers	Dryers
Ranges/ovens	Room air conditioners
Dishwashers	Dehumidifiers
Microwave ovens	Humidifiers

Factory shipments of 60.7 million major appliances in 2012 were flat compared with 2011 shipments of 61.2 million.  Core categories in kitchen and home laundry appliances declined 2.3 percent compared with 2011 shipments.

With every new appliance sale comes the potential for disposal of the unit that was replaced.  Improper disposal of old appliances threatens air, ground and water resources because many types of major appliances contain substances that can damage the environment.  These harmful materials include:

1. Polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”), which have toxic effects on humans and animals.  Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) banned the production of PCBs in 1979, it allowed manufacturers to use their remaining inventories of PCB-containing components.  Consequently, some old room air conditioners and microwave ovens have capacitors that contain PCBs, which can contaminate groundwater when released.

2. Mercury, which easily enters the body through absorption, inhalation or ingestion, potentially causing neurological damage.  Mercury-containing components may be found in freezers, washers and ranges.

3. Chlorofluorocarbon, hydrochlorofluorocarbon, and hydrofluorocarbon (collectively, “CFC”) refrigerants, which cause long-term damage to the earth’s ozone layer and may contribute to global climate change.  Refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners and dehumidifiers commonly contain CFC refrigerants.

4. CFCs having a very high ozone-depletion potential that may also be used as blowing agents in the polyurethane foam insulation of refrigerators and freezers.

5. Other materials, such as oil and sulfur dioxide, that are harmful when released into the environment.

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The federal government requires the recovery of CFC refrigerants upon appliance disposal and also regulates the management of hazardous materials found in appliances.  Most state and local governments have also enacted laws affecting how their residents dispose of unwanted appliances.  For example, many areas restrict landfills and scrap metal processors from accepting appliances unless the units have been processed to remove environmentally harmful materials.  As a result, old appliances usually cannot be discarded directly through ordinary solid waste systems.

In addition to these solid waste management and environmental issues, energy conservation is another compelling reason for proper disposal of old appliances.  Refrigerators manufactured today consume about one-third as much electricity as those manufactured 30 years ago and about half as much as the typical unit manufactured before 1993.  In August 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy issued updated efficiency standards for refrigerators that will take effect in 2014; refrigerators manufactured under the new standards will use one-fifth as much electricity as units manufactured in the mid-1970s.

Additionally, the use of second refrigerators has grown steadily in the past two decades, leading to an increase in household energy consumption. Every year, approximately 10 percent of households purchasing new refrigerators keep their old units, increasing the base of second units by 800,000 to 1 million units annually.  More than 25 percent of all U.S. households currently have a second refrigerator, a rate that is growing at 1 percent per year.

Utilities have become important participants in dealing with energy inefficient appliances as a way of reducing peak demand on their systems and avoiding the capital and environmental costs of adding new generating capacity.  To encourage the permanent removal of energy inefficient appliances from use, many electric utility companies sponsor programs through which their residential customers can retire working refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners.  Utility companies often provide assistance and incentives for consumers to discontinue use of a surplus appliance or to replace their old, inefficient appliances with newer, more efficient models.  To help accomplish this, some utilities offer appliance replacement programs for some segments of their customers, through which older model kitchen and laundry appliances are recycled and new highly efficient ENERGY STAR® units are installed.

The EPA has been supportive of efforts by electric utilities and other entities that sponsor appliance recycling programs to ensure that the collected units are managed in an environmentally sound manner.  In October 2006, the EPA launched the Responsible Appliance Disposal (“RAD”) program, a voluntary partnership program designed to help protect the ozone layer and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.  Through the program, RAD partners use best practices to recover ozone-depleting chemicals and other harmful materials from old refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners and dehumidifiers.  In 2010, ApplianceSmart became the first independent retailer in the country to become a RAD partner.  Because of our appliance recycling expertise, we were active participants in helping to design the RAD program and currently submit annual reports to the EPA to document the environmental benefits our utility customers that are RAD partners have achieved through their recycling programs.

Company Background

We started our business in 1976 as a used-appliance retailer that reconditioned old appliances to sell at our stores.  Under contract with national and regional retailers of new appliances, such as Sears and Montgomery Ward, we collected the replaced appliance from the customer’s residence when one of their stores delivered a new appliance in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Miami or Atlanta market.  The old appliances that we could not sell in our stores were sold to scrap metal processors.

In the late 1980s, stricter environmental regulations began to affect the disposal of unwanted appliances, and we were no longer able to take appliances that contained hazardous components to a scrap metal processor.  At that time, we began to develop systems and equipment to remove the harmful materials so that metal processors would accept the appliance shells for processing. We then offered our services for disposing of appliances in an environmentally sound manner to appliance manufacturers and retailers, waste hauling companies, rental property managers, local governments and the public.

Appliance Recycling for Energy Efficiency Programs

In 1989, we began contracting with electric utility companies to provide turnkey appliance recycling services to support their energy conservation efforts.  Since that time, we have provided our services to more than 300 utilities throughout North America.  Some of our current major contracts include:

1. Southern California Edison, to handle refrigerator and freezer recycling operations in 75 percent of their service territory.

2. San Diego Gas & Electric, to provide refrigerator and freezer recycling services for their residential and small commercial customers.

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3. Southern California Public Power Authority (“SCPPA”), which sponsors a program to replace and recycle old, inefficient refrigerators for a certain segment of their customers.  We currently perform these services for participating members of SCPPA, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

4. Ontario Power Authority (“OPA”) in Ontario, Canada, to recycle refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners throughout the province.  The program is administered by OPA and managed by approximately seventy local electric distribution companies.

We also have contracts to recycle, or to replace and recycle, appliances for approximately 150 other utilities across North America.

In the past several years, we have seen continued interest from sponsors of energy efficiency initiatives that recognize the effectiveness of recycling and replacing energy inefficient appliances.  We are aggressively pursuing electric and gas utilities, public housing authorities and energy efficiency management companies in 2013 and expect that we will continue to submit proposals for various new appliance recycling and replacement programs throughout the year.  However, we still have a limited ability to project revenues from new utility programs.  We cannot predict recycling volumes or if we will be successful in obtaining new contracts in 2013.

ApplianceSmart

As of March 2013, ApplianceSmart was operating 19 stores: seven in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market; one in Rochester, Minn.; one in St. Cloud, Minn.; four in the Columbus, Ohio, market; four in the Atlanta market; and two in the San Antonio, Texas, market.  We are a major household appliance retailer with two main channels: new, innovative appliances, and other affordable options such as close-outs, factory overruns, discontinued models and other special-buy appliances, including out-of-carton merchandise.  One example of a special-buy appliance involves manufacturer redesign, in which a current model is updated to include a few new features and is then assigned a new model number.  Because the major manufacturers—primarily Whirlpool, General Electric and Electrolux—ship only the latest models to retailers, a large quantity of the older model remains in the manufacturer’s inventory.  Special-buy appliances typically are not integrated into the manufacturers’ normal distribution channels and require a different method of management, which we provide.

For many years, manufacturers relied on small appliance dealers to buy this product to sell in their stores.  However, today these small retailers are struggling to compete with large appliance chains: the 10 largest retailers of major appliances account for more than 85 percent of the sales volume.  At the same time, the expansion of big-box retailers that sell appliances has created an increase in the number of special-buy units, further straining the traditional outlet system for these appliances.  Because these special-buy appliances have value, manufacturers and retailers need an efficient management system to recover their worth.

Manufacturer Supply

We have entered into contracts for purchasing new appliances that we sell at our ApplianceSmart stores or provide for utility appliance replacement programs.  These contracts, which have been extended through 2013, are with the following five major manufacturers:

1. Bosch

2. Electrolux

3. General Electric

4. Samsung

5. Whirlpool

There are no guarantees on the number of units that any of the manufacturers will sell us; however, we believe that purchases from these five manufacturers will provide an adequate supply of high-quality appliances for our ApplianceSmart stores and appliance replacement programs.

Key components of our current agreements include:

1. We have no guarantees for the number or type of appliances that we have to purchase.

2. The agreements may be terminated by either party with 30 days’ prior written notice.

3. We have agreed to indemnify certain manufacturers for certain claims, allegations or losses concerning the appliances we sell.

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Regional Processing Centers

On October 21, 2009, we entered into an Appliance Sales and Recycling Agreement (the “Agreement”) with General Electric Company acting through its GE Consumer & Industrial business (now referred to as GE Appliances).  Under the Agreement, GE sells all of its recyclable appliances generated from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States to us, and we collect, process and recycle such recyclable appliances.  The Agreement requires that we will only recycle, and will not sell for re-use or resale, the recyclable appliances purchased from GE.  We established a regional processing center (“RPC”) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at which the recyclable appliances are processed.  The term of the Agreement is for a period of six years from the first date of collection of recyclable appliances, which was March 31, 2010.

In connection with the Agreement described above, we entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with 4301 Operations, LLC, (“4301”) to establish and operate an RPC.  4301 has substantial experience in the recycling of major household appliances and contributed their existing business to the joint venture.  Under the Joint Venture Agreement, the parties formed a new entity known as ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC and each party has a 50% interest in AAP.  If additional RPCs incorporating UNTHA Recycling Technology (“URT”) and a shredder system are established, AAP has the right to establish the next two RPCs and will have a right of first refusal to establish subsequent RPCs.  We contributed $2.0 million to the joint venture and 4301 contributed their equipment and existing business to the joint venture.  The joint venture commenced operations on February 8, 2010.

The Agreement required us to purchase and install a URT materials recovery system, for which we are the exclusive North American distributor, to enhance the capabilities of the RPC in Philadelphia.  We completed the installation of the URT materials recovery system in the third quarter of 2011.  The URT materials recovery system recovers approximately 95 percent of the insulating foam in refrigerators; reduces typical landfill waste of the refrigerator by 85 percent by weight; lowers greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance emissions recovered from insulating foam compared with what typically happens in the industry today; and recovers high-quality plastics, aluminum, copper, steel and even pelletized foam from refrigerators that can be used to make new products.

Subsidiaries

ApplianceSmart, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary formed through a corporate reorganization in July 2011 to hold our business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores.  ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary formed in September 2006 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs.  ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary formed in November 1991 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs.

ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company, is a variable interest entity that we consolidate in our financial statements because we have the ability to significantly influence the economic performance of the entity through our contractual agreement with GE.  AAP was formed in October 2009 to operate a regional processing and recycling center and commenced operations in February 2010.

Growth Strategy

We continue to see interest from sponsors of energy efficiency programs across the country that recognize the effectiveness of recycling energy inefficient appliances, and in some cases, replacing these inefficient appliances with new, highly efficient ENERGY STAR® models.  We believe appliance replacement programs will continue to expand, and we are aggressively pursuing this segment of customers in 2013. We expect that we will continue to meet with sponsors of appliance recycling and replacement programs and submit proposals highlighting our comprehensive service options.

In 2008, we entered into an agreement to become the exclusive North American distributor for UNTHA Recycling Technology, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of technologically advanced refrigerator recycling systems and recycling facilities for electrical household appliances and electronic scrap.  In addition to marketing these systems to the recycling industry, we have installed a URT system in our Philadelphia RPC.

In 2013, AAP is continuing to focus on refining and improving our business with GE at our Philadelphia recycling facility in order to position AAP to respond to what we believe will be strong opportunities for expansion in future years with GE and other potential partners.  We optimized our operations by completing the installation of the URT materials recovery system during the third quarter of 2011.  Not only has the URT system allowed us to expand our recycling capabilities to attract new business, it is also a critical component in our strategy to grow our revenue stream while improving our margins.

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Larger ApplianceSmart stores offer consumers a wider selection of appliances than smaller stores do and are more efficient for us to operate.  For these reasons, we focus our retail sales operations on larger facilities when we choose to open new stores. We may consider opening new stores in markets in which we currently have operations to benefit from operational and marketing efficiencies of scale.  Although we are not currently considering expansion to new markets in the United States, we would evaluate demographic, economic and financial information as well as the facility and proposed lease terms when considering any new store location.

Customers and Source of Supply

We offer reverse logistics services to manufacturers and retailers that need an efficient way to manage appliances that fall outside their normal distribution and sales channels.  We also provide services for electric utility companies and other sponsors of energy efficiency initiatives that offer their customers appliance recycling and replacement programs as energy conservation measures.

Appliance Manufacturers:  We work with appliance manufacturers, including Bosch, Electrolux, General Electric, Samsung and Whirlpool, to acquire the product we sell at our ApplianceSmart stores.  We purchase new, special-buy appliances, such as discontinued models and factory overruns, and sell the product at a significant discount to full retail prices.  In addition, our participation in a national buying cooperative enables us to purchase the latest models of new appliances to fill out our mix of product.

Although we believe that our current sources for appliances are adequate to supply our retail stores and allow us to grow our sales, we face the risk that one or more of these sources could be lost.

Electric Utility Companies:  We contract with utility companies and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs to provide a full range of appliance recycling and replacement services to help them achieve their energy savings goals.  The contracts usually have terms of one to three years, with provisions for renewal at the option of the utility.  Under some contracts, we manage all aspects, including advertising, of the appliance recycling or replacement program.  Under other contracts, we provide only specified services, such as collection and recycling.

Our contracts with electric utility customers prohibit us from repairing and selling appliances or appliance parts we receive through their programs.  Because the intent of the program is to conserve electricity, we have instituted tracking and auditing procedures to assure our customers that those appliances do not return to use.

Our pricing for energy efficiency program contracts is on a per-appliance basis and depends upon several factors, including:

1. Total number of appliances expected to be processed and/or replaced.

2. Length of the contract term.

3. Specific services the utility selects us to provide.

4. Market factors, including labor rates and transportation costs.

Currently, we have contracts to provide recycling services for approximately 150 utilities in 2013.

Company Operations

We provide a full range of appliance recycling support services for energy efficiency programs in North America.  We also purchase major appliances, primarily from appliance manufacturers, to sell through our ApplianceSmart stores.

Many of the appliances we receive from manufacturers are still in the factory carton and ready to sell.  Other appliances need repair or cosmetic work before we deliver them to our ApplianceSmart stores.  All appliances we sell are new, under factory warranty and covered by a 100-percent money-back guarantee.  We also offer extended warranties, appliance delivery, factory-trained technician service and free recycling of customers’ replaced appliances.

Appliances that do not meet our quality standards for sale at our ApplianceSmart stores and appliances collected through utility customers’ energy conservation programs or GE must be recycled to prevent re-use.  We process and recycle these units using environmentally sound systems and techniques.

In our recycling operation, our Company-trained technicians first inspect and categorize each appliance to identify the types of hazardous materials it contains.  We then process the appliances to remove and manage the environmentally hazardous substances according to all federal, state and local regulations.  Plastics and other recyclable components are managed by materials recyclers, and we deliver the processed appliance shells to local scrap processing facilities, where they shred and recycle the metals.

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 At our Philadelphia recycling center, which is operated through the joint venture ARCA Advanced Processing, we recycle appliances for GE and other customers.  We process the appliances according to the procedures described above to remove environmentally damaging components and substances.  In the third quarter of 2011, we began processing refrigerators and freezers with our URT system to recover the CFCs in polyurethane foam insulation that cause global warming and ozone depletion.

We are aggressively pursuing additional utility customers, but have a limited ability to project revenues from new utility programs in 2013.  We cannot predict recycling or replacement volumes or if we will be successful in obtaining new contracts.

Principal Products and Services

We generate revenues from three sources: retail, recycling and byproduct, including carbon offsets.  Retail revenues are generated through the sale of appliances at our ApplianceSmart stores.  Recycling revenues are generated by charging fees for collecting and recycling appliances for utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs and through the sale of new ENERGY STAR® appliances to utility companies for installation in the homes of a specific segment of their customers.  Byproduct revenues are generated by selling scrap materials, such as metal and plastics, from appliances we collect and recycle, including those from our ApplianceSmart stores and processed at AAP.  Carbon offset revenues are created by the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants acquired through various recycling programs and from our ApplianceSmart stores and through processing of refrigerators and freezers at AAP.

The table below reflects the percentage of total revenues from each source for the past two fiscal years.  See also “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

	2012		2011
Retail	62.3	%	57.5	%
Recycling	22.1		26.1
Byproduct, including carbon offsets	15.6		16.4
	100.0	%	100.0	%

During fiscal years 2012 and 2011, we operated two reportable segments: retail and recycling.  The retail segment is comprised of sales generated through our ApplianceSmart stores.  Our recycling segment includes all fees charged for collecting, recycling and installing appliances for utilities and other customers and includes byproduct revenue, which is generated primarily through the recycling of appliances.  In 2012 and 2011, we consolidated AAP in our financial statements.  Sales generated by AAP are included in byproduct revenues in our recycling segment.  Financial information about our segments is included in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 13 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Sales and Marketing

We use a variety of methods to promote awareness of our products and services.  We believe that we are recognized as a leader in the recycling industry and in special-buy appliance retailing.

Our ApplianceSmart concept includes establishing large showrooms in metropolitan locations where we can offer consumers a selection of hundreds of appliances at each of our stores.  Our visual branding consists of ample display of product, manufacturers’ signage and custom-designed ApplianceSmart materials.  We advertise our stores mainly through print media, social media, television, radio and direct mail.  Through www.ApplianceSmart.com, consumers can also search our inventory and purchase appliances online.

We market our appliance recycling and replacement services to electric utility companies and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs by contacting prospective customers directly, delivering educational presentations at conferences for energy efficiency professionals, participating in utility industry trade shows, networking with key affiliates of electric power and environmental associations, and promoting our corporate website at www.ARCAInc.com.  We submit sales proposals for our services to interested parties and in response to requests for bid.

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Seasonality

We experience some seasonality in retail revenues, with revenues in the second and third calendar quarters being slightly higher than revenues in the first and fourth calendar quarters.

Promotional activities for programs in which the utility sponsor conducts all advertising are generally strong during the second and third calendar quarters, leading to higher customer demand for services during that time period.  As a result, we experience a surge in business during the second and third calendar quarters, which generally declines through the fourth and first calendar quarters until advertising activities resume.

Competition

Our retail competition comes mainly from new-appliance and other special-buy retailers.  Each ApplianceSmart store competes with local and national retail appliance chains, as well as with independently owned retailers.  Many of these retailers have been in business longer than we have and may have significantly greater assets.

Many factors, including obtaining adequate resources to create and support the infrastructure required to operate large-scale appliance recycling and replacement programs, affect competition in the industry.  We generally compete for contracts with several other national appliance recycling businesses, energy services management companies and new-appliance retailers.  We also compete with small hauling or recycling companies based in the program’s service territory.  Many of these companies, including used-appliance dealers that call themselves “appliance recyclers,” resell in the secondary market a percentage of the appliances they accept for recycling.  The unsalable units may not be properly processed to remove environmentally harmful materials because these companies do not have the capability to offer the full range of services that we provide.

We expect our primary competition for appliance recycling and replacement contracts with existing and new customers to come from a variety of sources, including:

1. Existing recycling companies.

2. Entrepreneurs entering the appliance recycling business.

3. Management consultants.

4. Major waste hauling companies.

5. Scrap metal processors.

6. National and regional new-appliance retailers.

In addition, utility companies and other customers may choose to provide all or some of the services required to operate their appliance recycling and replacement programs internally rather than contracting with outside vendors.  We have no assurance that we will be able to compete profitably in any of our chosen markets.

Government Regulation

Federal, state and local governments regulate appliance collection, recycling and sales activities.  While some requirements apply nationwide, others vary by market.  The many laws and regulations that affect appliance recycling include landfill disposal restrictions, hazardous waste management requirements and air quality standards.  For example, the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act prohibit the venting of CFC and CFC-substitute refrigerants while servicing or disposing of appliances.

Each of our recycling facilities maintains the appropriate registrations, permits and licenses for operating at its location.  We register our recycling centers as hazardous waste generators with the EPA and obtain all appropriate regional and local licenses for managing hazardous wastes.  Licensed hazardous waste companies transport and recycle or dispose of the hazardous materials we generate.  Our collection vehicles and our transportation employees comply with all U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) licensing requirements.

We have been recognized for our work in protecting the environment from the harmful effects of improper appliance disposal.  In 2004, the EPA awarded us, along with our customer Southern California Edison Company (“SCE”), the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for the environmentally responsible manner in which we collect and dispose of appliances.  In 2007, we were again recognized by the EPA with a Best of the Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award as part of an appliance recycling team responsible for “the most exceptional global contributions in the first two decades of the Montreal Protocol.”  We were recognized by SCE as the sole recipient of the 2010 Environmental Excellence Award for our “exemplary support and service of SCE’s Appliance Recycling Program” and commitment to providing “the highest levels of performance and service to SCE and program

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participants while maintaining the strong values and ethics that exemplify a value-added supplier.” ARCA has provided services for SCE since 1994.

In 2007, we became a founding reporter of The Climate Registry, an organization that provides information regarding the measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions to various governmental and private agencies and businesses.

In 2009, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Edward R. (Jack) Cameron, was selected to represent the appliance recycling industry in the Climate Action Reserve’s 23-member workgroup that was tasked with developing the U.S. Ozone-Depleting Substances Project Protocol for the Destruction of Domestic High Global Warming Potential Ozone-Depleting Substances.  The Climate Action Reserve is a national offsets program working to ensure integrity, transparency and financial value in the U.S. carbon market.  The protocol, which was issued on February 3, 2010, provides guidance to account for, report and verify greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with destruction of high global warming potential ozone-depleting substances that would have otherwise been released to the atmosphere, including those used in both foam and refrigerant applications.

In January 2013, through the authority of the California Air Resources Board, California launched a greenhouse gas (“GHG”) cap-and-trade program that will encompass 85 percent of the state’s emissions and affect all businesses operating in California by 2020. The first compliance period enforcing the GHG emissions limits for capped business sectors began January 1, 2013. Entities may meet up to eight percent of their compliance obligations with freely sold or traded offset credits, such as those created through the voluntary destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants. We have been an active participant in California’s developing carbon offset market and anticipate increased involvement as the program expands.

Our retail stores obtain all business licenses, sales tax licenses and permits required for their locations.  Our delivery and service vehicles comply with all DOT licensing requirements. In addition, in 2010, ApplianceSmart became the first independent retailer in the country to partner with the EPA in the Responsible Appliance Disposal (“RAD”) program.  Through RAD, partners commit to employing best environmental practices to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases through the proper disposal of refrigeration appliances at end of life.  RAD partners report program results to the EPA annually to help quantify climate protection efforts.

Although we believe that further governmental regulation of the appliance recycling industry could have a positive effect on us, we cannot predict the direction of future legislation.  Under some circumstances, for example, further regulation could materially increase our operational costs.  In addition, under some circumstances we may be subject to contingent liabilities because we handle hazardous materials.  We believe we are in compliance with all government regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials, and we have environmental insurance to mitigate the impact of any potential contingent liability.

Employees

At March 1, 2013 we had 340 full-time employees and 11 part-time employees, distributed approximately as follows:

1. 32% of our employees, including management, provide customer service, appliance collection, transportation and processing services at our recycling centers.

2. 60% of our employees, including management, work in our retail stores.

3. 8% of our employees are corporate management and support staff.

We have no union or collective bargaining agreements covering any of our employees.  Our employees have never caused our operations to be disrupted by a work stoppage, and we believe that our employee relations are good.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

An investment in our Common Stock involves a high degree of risk.  You should carefully consider the risks described below with respect to an investment in our shares.  If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, operating results or cash provided by operations could be materially harmed.  As a result, the trading price of our Common Stock could decline, and you might lose all or part of your investment.  When evaluating an investment in our Common Stock, you should also refer to the other information in this report, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes.

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Risks Relating to Our Business

A large percentage of our revenues is derived from retail sales.  However, we expect recycling and byproduct revenues as a percentage of total revenues will continue to rise in the future.

Most of our revenues are derived from retail sales of appliances at our ApplianceSmart stores.  We currently operate 19 ApplianceSmart stores.  Retail revenues typically have lower profit margins than recycling revenues.  While we believe that our future economic results will be heavily dependent on our retail stores, we are continuing to see interest in recycling and replacement programs and are pursuing opportunities with providers of energy efficiency services.  In fiscal years 2012 and 2011, approximately 62% and 57%, respectively, of our revenues were from retail sales.  We believe that recycling and byproduct revenues will grow faster than retail revenues as we continue to add new recycling contracts and as a result of the impact of our recycling agreement with GE.

We currently purchase product for resale from a limited number of suppliers.

We purchase the majority of our inventory for resale from three main suppliers.  While we believe that our relationships with our vendors are strong, the loss of one of these suppliers could have a negative impact on the amount and mix of product that we would be able to offer for sale, which could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.

Our revenues from recycling contracts are very difficult to project and the loss of major recycling contracts could adversely impact our profits.

In the past, our business was dependent largely upon our ability to obtain new contracts and continue existing contracts for appliance recycling services with utility companies.  Contracts with these entities generally have initial terms of one to three years, with renewal options and early termination clauses.  However, some contracts are for programs that are non-recurring.  Although we continue to respond to utility companies requesting bids for upcoming appliance recycling programs, we are still dependent on certain customers for a large portion of our revenues.  Generally, recycling revenues have a higher gross profit than retail revenues.

Three of our major utility customers, Southern California Edison Company, Ontario Power Authority and Southern California Public Power Authority, collectively accounted for approximately 9% and 17% of our total revenues for 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The loss or material reduction of business from any of these major customers could adversely affect our net revenues and profitability.  However, we believe we will continue to add new recycling contracts in 2013 and beyond.

We cannot assure you that our existing recycling contracts will continue, existing customers will continue to use our services at current levels or we will be successful in obtaining new recycling contracts.

Our revenues from recycling contracts are subject to seasonal fluctuations and are dependent on the utilities’ advertising and promotional activities for contracts in which we do not provide advertising services.

In our business with utility companies, we experience seasonal fluctuations that impact our operating results.  Our recycling revenues are generally higher during the second and third calendar quarters and lower in the first and fourth calendar quarters, due largely to the promotional activity schedules over which we have no control in advertising programs managed by the utilities.  Our staff communicates client-driven advertising activities internally in an effort to achieve an operational balance.  We expect that we will continue to experience such seasonal fluctuations in recycling revenues.  We experience less seasonal fluctuation in our retail business.

The joint venture we have formed does not have a long operating history upon which it can be evaluated.

We have formed a 50/50 joint venture, ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC, to operate the initial Regional Processing Center under our contract with GE.  AAP was formed in October 2009 and commenced operations in February 2010.  AAP incurred a net loss of $1.2 million in 2012, which included a goodwill impairment charge of $1.1 million, and generated a net income of $0.5 million in 2011.  AAP is subject to all of the risks associated with a new venture, including the potential for unanticipated expenses, difficulties and delays frequently encountered in connection with the start-up of new businesses, and the competitive environment in which AAP operates.  There is no assurance that AAP will be able to sustain profitable operations.  Each additional RPC that may be established in the future will also be subject to the risks associated with a new venture.

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AAP’s financial performance is dependent on market prices for recovered materials.

AAP’s total revenues are driven by the market prices for various recovered materials, which include steel, copper, aluminum, other non-ferrous metals, glass, plastic, oil, and certain types of refrigerants.  Market prices for such materials may vary significantly.  If market prices for such materials are less than projected, AAP may be unable to achieve profitable operations.

The volume of appliances under the contract with GE is not guaranteed, although we receive all of their recyclable appliances generated from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.  The contract with GE is terminable on 60-day notice if a material breach occurs and is not cured.

The operations of AAP and the initial RPC will be materially dependent on the volume of appliances from GE.  However, GE has not guaranteed any specific volume of appliances under the contract.  Also, the RPC will need significant volume in addition to the volume from GE to operate successfully.  The contract with GE is for a period of six years from the first date of collection, which was March 31, 2010, of recyclable appliances from GE’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic delivery area, but may be terminated earlier by either party if the other party is in material breach of the contract and does not cure the breach within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice from the other party.

We may need new capital to fully execute our growth strategy.

Our business involves providing comprehensive, integrated appliance recycling services and operating a chain of retail stores.  This commitment will require a significant continuing investment in capital equipment and leasehold improvements and could require additional investment in real estate.

Our total capital requirements will depend on, among the other things discussed in this annual report, the number of recycling centers and the number and size of retail stores operating during 2013.  Currently, we have 19 retail stores and eleven recycling centers, including AAP, in operation.  If our revenues are lower than anticipated, our expenses are higher than anticipated or our line of credit cannot be maintained, we will require additional capital to finance our operations or AAP’s operation.  Even if we are able to maintain our line of credit, we may need additional equity or other capital in the future.  Sources of additional financing, if needed in the future, may include further debt financing or the sale of equity (including the issuance of Preferred Stock) or other securities.  We cannot assure you that any additional sources of financing or new capital will be available to us, available on acceptable terms, or permitted by the terms of our current debt.  In addition, if we sell additional equity to raise funds, all outstanding shares of Common Stock will be diluted.

A decline in general economic conditions has led to reduced consumer demand for our products and had an adverse effect on our liquidity and profitability.

Since sales of our merchandise are largely dependent upon discretionary spending by our retail customers, our financial performance is sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions that affect consumer spending.  Consumer spending habits are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, gasoline prices, consumer confidence, the housing market, and consumer perception of economic conditions.  A slowdown in the United States economy and uncertainty as to the economic outlook has reduced discretionary spending and caused a shift in consumer discretionary spending to other products in recent years.  These factors may likely cause us to delay or slow our expansion plans, may result in reduced sales and could potentially result in excess inventories.  This may, in turn, lead to increased merchandise markdowns and related costs associated with higher levels of inventory that could adversely affect our liquidity and profitability.

Our market share may be adversely impacted at any time by a significant number of competitors.

Competition for our retail stores comes primarily from retailers of new and special-buy appliances.  Each of our locations will compete not only with local and national chains of new-appliance retailers, many of whom have been in business longer than we have and who may have significantly greater assets, but will also be required to compete with numerous independently owned retailers of used appliances.

Many factors, including existing and proposed governmental regulation, may affect competition in the appliance recycling and replacement side of our business.  We generally compete with two or three companies based in the geographic area to be served, and they generally offer some of the services we provide.  We expect our primary competition for contracts with existing or new customers to come from entrepreneurs entering the appliance recycling business, energy management consultants, current recycling companies, major waste hauling companies, scrap metal processors and new- and used-appliance dealers.  In addition, some of our customers, such as utility companies, may operate appliance recycling and replacement programs internally rather than

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contracting with us or other third parties.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete profitably in any of our chosen markets.

Changes in governmental regulations relating to our recycling business could increase our costs of operations and adversely affect our business.

Our appliance recycling centers are subject to various federal, state and local laws, regulations and licensing requirements related to providing turnkey services for energy efficiency programs.  These requirements vary by market location and include, for example, laws concerning the management of hazardous materials and the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act, which require us to recapture CFC refrigerants from appliances to prevent their release into the atmosphere.

Our ability to generate revenue from the sale of carbon offsets created through the voluntary destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants could also be adversely affected by governmental regulations as the market develops. Should the federal government mandate the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants in the future, we would be required to destroy these substances without the benefit of generating carbon offsets, which would increase the cost of our operations.

We have registered our centers with the EPA as hazardous waste generators and have obtained required licenses from appropriate state and local authorities.  We have agreements with approved and licensed hazardous waste companies for transportation and recycling or disposal of hazardous materials generated through our recycling processes.  As is the case with all companies handling hazardous materials, under some circumstances we may be subject to contingent liability.  We believe we are in compliance with all government regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials, and we have environmental insurance to mitigate the impact of any potential contingent liability.

Our lender has the right to demand payment in full of the borrowings under our line of credit in the event of a default.  If it were to do so, we would not be able to pursue our growth strategy and our operations would be severely limited unless and until new financing was obtained.

On January 24, 2011, we entered with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) into a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, as amended, (“PNC Credit Agreement”) that provides us with a $15.0 million revolving line of credit and a $2.55 million term loan.  The PNC Credit Agreement has a stated maturity date of January 24, 2016, if not renewed.  The PNC Credit Agreement is collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, and PNC is also secured by an inventory repurchase agreement with Whirlpool Corporation for Whirlpool purchases only.  We also issued a $750,000 letter of credit in favor of Whirlpool Corporation.  The PNC Credit Agreement requires that we meet certain financial covenants. On October 23, 2012, we received a letter from PNC (“default notice”) notifying us that we had failed to comply with the covenant regarding loans to AAP and that PNC was reserving all rights and remedies available to it under the Credit Agreement or otherwise, but PNC did not increase the interest rate or accelerate the obligations. On March 14, 2013, we executed the third amendment to our PNC Credit Agreement that extended the agreement two additional years until January 24, 2016, waived our prior "events of default," reset our financial covenants and increased our interest rate, among other things.  The PNC Credit Agreement limits investments we can purchase, the amount of other debt we can incur and the amount we can spend on fixed assets, along with prohibiting the payment of dividends.  On March 20, 2013, borrowings of $7.3 million were outstanding under the revolving line of credit, and we had unused borrowing capacity of $3.8 million.

We may not be able to operate successfully if we lose key personnel, are unable to hire qualified personnel or experience turnover of our management team.

We believe our operations are materially dependent upon the continued services of our present management.  The loss of services of one or more members of present management, including Edward R. (Jack) Cameron, our founder, Chairman of the Board and CEO, could adversely affect our business.  We do not have employment contracts with present management.  We maintain key person life insurance on Mr. Cameron in the amount of $1.0 million.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

The trading volumes in our Common Stock are highly variable, which could adversely affect the value and liquidity of your investment in our Common Stock.

The trading volumes in our Common Stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market are highly variable.  At any given time, there may be only a limited market for any shares of Common Stock that you hold or may seek to sell.  Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock into the public market at the same time could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

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Our principal shareholders own a large percentage of our voting stock, which will allow them to control substantially all matters requiring shareholder approval.

Currently, Edward R. (Jack) Cameron, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owns approximately 7.4% of our Common Stock.  As of March 20, 2013, our officers and directors together beneficially hold approximately 18.8% of our Common Stock.  Medallion Capital, Inc. owns approximately 8.9% of our outstanding common shares.  Perkins Capital Management, Inc. owns approximately 15.4% of our outstanding common shares.  Because of such ownership, our management and principal shareholders may be able to significantly affect our corporate decisions, including the election of the Board of Directors.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our executive offices are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a leased facility that includes approximately 11 acres of land.  The building contains approximately 126,000 square feet, consisting of 27,000 square feet of office space, 66,000 square feet of operations and processing space, and 33,000 square feet of retail space (as identified below with an opening date of June 1998). We also own and use a building in Compton, California, with 11,000 square feet of office space and 35,000 square feet of warehouse and processing space.  Our building in Compton, California, serves as collateral securing the outstanding term loan.

We currently operate 19 retail stores in the following locations:

Market	Opening Date	Retail Space (Sq. Ft.)
Minnesota	June 1998	33,000
	January 2001	24,000
	October 2001	49,000
	February 2003	33,000
	December 2004	30,000	(Also has 29,000 square feet of warehouse space)
	May 2008	23,000
	December 2008	31,000
	November 2011	24,000
	August 2012	28,000
Ohio	June 1997	20,000
	May 2001	32,000
	March 2002	30,000
	December 2007	30,000
Georgia	November 2004	30,000	(Also has 58,000 square feet of production/warehouse space)
	December 2006	46,000
	December 2008	33,000
	November 2009	28,000
Texas	October 2005	37,000	(Includes production/recycling space)
	September 2008	30,000

We lease all of our retail store facilities.  We generally attempt to negotiate lease terms of five to ten years that include options to renew for our retail stores.

We operate 11 processing and recycling centers.  One is located in the facility that we own in California.  Nine are leased facilities operated by us in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; Oakville, Ontario; St. Louis Park, Minnesota; San Antonio, Texas; Springfield, Illinois; Commerce City, Colorado; Kent, Washington; Morrisville, North Carolina; and Louisville, Kentucky.  Our recycling centers typically range in size from 6,000 to 42,000 square feet.  We are also operating a processing and recycling center located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, through a joint venture agreement.  The joint venture, ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC leases a 97,000-square-foot facility.

We currently believe that all of the facilities we occupy are adequate for our future needs.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In December 2012, we ceased operations at our Conyers, Georgia, facility and abandoned the leased property. We believe the landlord has relet the property to a new tenant. Nonetheless, the landlord has made a claim of approximately $500,000 against us based upon lease termination negotiations that had been progressing between the parties but ended. The landlord has filed a claim for breach of settlement in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. We are confident that we will successfully defend the claim made by the landlord as a result of the likely reletting of the property to a new tenant.

In February 2012, various individuals commenced a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool Corporation (“Whirlpool”) and various distributors of Whirlpool products, including Sears, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and us, alleging certain appliances sold by Whirlpool through its distribution chain, which includes us, were improperly designated with the ENERGY STAR^® qualification rating established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.  The claims against us include breach of warranty claims, as well as various state consumer protection claims.  The amount of the claim is, as yet, undetermined.  Whirlpool has offered to fully indemnify and defend its distributors in this lawsuit, including us, and has engaged defense counsel to defend itself and the distributors.  We care monitoring Whirlpool’s defense of the claims.

In 2007, we entered into an agreement with AMTIM Capital, Inc. (“AMTIM”) to act as our representative to market our recycling services in Canada under an arrangement that pays AMTIM for revenues generated by recycling services in Canada as set forth in the agreement between the parties.  A dispute has arisen between AMTIM and us with respect to the calculation of amounts due to AMTIM pursuant to the agreement.  AMTIM claims a discrepancy in the calculation of fees due to AMTIM by us of more than $600,000 as of mid-2010.  We commenced an action in the U.S. District Court for a determination of the parties’ rights under the agreement.  AMTIM started its own action in Ontario, Canada, against us for amounts it claims it are due pursuant to the agreement.  We moved the Canadian court for a stay of that action pending the U.S. action.  AMTIM requested the U.S. District Court to stay the U.S. action pending resolution of the Canadian court action.  AMTIM’s motion was denied by the U.S. District Court and as a result we obtained a default judgment against AMTIM approving the manner in which we have historically calculated fees due to AMTIM.  Shortly thereafter, the Canadian court dismissed our motion to stay the Canadian action.  We are currently pursuing an appeal of the court’s ruling in the Canadian action on the grounds that the issues between the parties have already been determined by the U.S. District Court, precluding any further litigation. Although the outcome is uncertain, we believe the possibility of a material loss is remote.

We are party from time to time to other ordinary course disputes that we do not believe to be material.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR OUR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market for Common Stock

Our Common Stock trades under the symbol “ARCI” on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low prices for our Common Stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Capital Market. These quotations reflect the daily close prices.

	High		Low
2012
First Quarter	$	6.25	$	4.34
Second Quarter	4.69		3.80
Third Quarter	4.39		3.20
Fourth Quarter	3.34		1.15
2011
First Quarter	$	4.61	$	3.18
Second Quarter	4.74		3.84
Third Quarter	4.72		3.72
Fourth Quarter	6.57		4.40

On March 20, 2013, the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market was $1.25 per share.  As of March 14, 2013, there were approximately 1,600 beneficial holders of our Common Stock.

We have not paid dividends on our Common Stock and do not presently plan to pay dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future.  Our credit agreement prohibits payment of dividends.

Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included in Part III, Item 12 of this report.

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ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial information set forth below has been derived from our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for the fiscal years of 2012 and 2011 and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  The financial information for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are not contained in this filing. All data is in thousands except per common share data.

Fiscal Years	2012			2011		2010 (a)		2009 (a)			2008 (a)
Statements of Operations:
Total revenues	$	114,313		$	126,669	$	108,162	$	101,269		$	110,971
Gross profit	$	27,955		$	36,735	$	32,899	$	28,377		$	35,610
Operating income (loss)	$	(3,222	)	$	7,244	$	3,069	$	(2,161	)	$	4,035
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(3,852	)	$	4,461	$	2,009	$	(3,338	)	$	1,864
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(3,852	)	$	4,461	$	2,009	$	(3,338	)	$	360
Basic income (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	(0.69	)	$	0.81	$	0.38	$	(0.73	)	$	0.41
Basic income (loss) per common share	$	(0.69	)	$	0.81	$	0.38	$	(0.73	)	$	0.08
Diluted income (loss) from continuing operations per common share	$	(0.69	)	$	0.77	$	0.37	$	(0.73	)	$	0.41
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$	(0.69	)	$	0.77	$	0.37	$	(0.73	)	$	0.08
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding	5,551			5,497		5,267		4,578			4,571
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	5,551			5,821		5,491		4,578			4,612
Balance Sheet:
Working capital	$	7,631		$	11,445	$	1,331	$	3,719		$	5,772
Total assets	$	41,804		$	46,809	$	39,864	$	31,450		$	37,415
Long-term liabilities	$	7,643		$	8,979	$	3,841	$	4,481		$	5,412
Shareholders’ equity	$	11,638		$	15,180	$	10,208	$	5,643		$	7,989
Total equity	$	13,234		$	17,380	$	12,147	$	5,643		$	7,989

^(a)  The financial information for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are not contained in this filing.

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Selected Quarterly Financial Data

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data for the eight quarters ended December 29, 2012.  In our opinion, the unaudited information set forth below has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly the information set forth herein.  The operating results for any quarter are not indicative of results for any future period.  All data is in thousands except per common share data.

	Fiscal 2012
	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter
Total revenues	$	29,432		$	29,342		$	28,976		$	26,563
Gross profit	$	7,612		$	7,571		$	6,723		$	6,049
Operating income (loss)	$	84		$	(193	)	$	(734	)	$	(2,379	)
Net loss	$	(77	)	$	(551	)	$	(1,159	)	$	(2,669	)
Net loss attributable to controlling interest	$	(66	)	$	(641	)	$	(1,082	)	$	(2,063	)
Basic loss per common share	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.37	)
Diluted loss per common share	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.37	)
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding	5,537			5,555			5,556			5,556
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	5,537			5,555			5,556			5,556

	Fiscal 2011
	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Total revenues	$	29,926	$	32,891	$	35,857	$	27,995
Gross profit	$	8,989	$	9,647	$	10,091	$	8,008
Operating income	$	1,528	$	2,253	$	2,928	$	535
Net income	$	737	$	2,076	$	1,706	$	203
Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	674	$	2,028	$	1,756	$	3
Basic income per common share	$	0.12	$	0.37	$	0.32	$	—
Diluted income per common share	$	0.12	$	0.35	$	0.30	$	—
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding	5,493		5,493		5,493		5,510
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	5,769		5,820		5,821		5,876

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with “Item 6. Selected Financial Data” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below and elsewhere in this annual report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties.  In evaluating such statements, you should specifically consider the various factors identified in this annual report that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements, including matters set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Overview

Subsidiaries. ApplianceSmart, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed through a corporate reorganization in July 2011 to hold our business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores.  ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in September 2006 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs.  ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in November 1991 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility efficiency programs.  The operating results of our wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated in our financial statements.

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Variable Interest Entity.  ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC ("AAP") is a joint venture that was formed in October 2009 between ARCA and 4301 Operations, LLC (“4301”) to support ARCA’s agreement, as amended, with General Electric ("GE") acting through its GE Appliances business component.  Both ARCA and 4301 have a 50% interest in AAP.  AAP commenced operations in February 2010 and services the GE agreement as a subcontractor for ARCA.  The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity and because we have the ability to significantly influence the economic performance of the entity through our contractual agreement with GE.

Reporting Period. We report on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year.  Our 2012 fiscal year (“2012”) ended on December 29, 2012, and included 52 weeks.  Our 2011 fiscal year (“2011”) ended on December 31, 2011, and included 52 weeks.

Segments. We operate two reportable segments: retail and recycling.  Our retail segment is comprised of income generated from the sale of appliances through ApplianceSmart® stores and includes a portion of our byproduct revenues from collected appliances.  Our recycling segment includes all income generated from collecting, recycling and installing appliances for utilities and other customers and includes a significant portion of our byproduct revenue, which is primarily generated through the recycling of appliances.  Our recycling segment also includes all income generated by AAP and our GE agreement.  GE sells its recyclable appliances in certain regions of the United States to us and we collect, process and recycle the appliances.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.  The agreement requires that we will only recycle, and will not sell for re-use or resale, the recyclable appliances purchased from GE.  We have established regional processing centers in Philadelphia and Louisville to support our agreement with GE.  The regional processing center in Philadelphia is operated by AAP.

Our business components are uniquely positioned in the industry to work together to provide a full array of appliance-related services.  ApplianceSmart operates nineteen company-owned stores and sells new appliances directly to consumers and provides affordable ENERGY STAR® options for energy efficiency appliance replacement programs.  Our eleven regional recycling centers process appliances at end of life to remove environmentally damaging substances and produce material byproducts for over 150 utilities in the U.S. and Canada.  AAP employs advanced technology to refine traditional appliance recycling techniques to achieve optimal revenue-generating and environmental benefits. We are also the exclusive North American distributor for UNTHA Recycling Technology (“URT”), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of technologically advanced refrigerator recycling systems and recycling facilities for electrical household appliances and electronic scrap. AAP operates the only URT refrigerator system in the United States.

We believe the GE contract and AAP model is the future of appliance recycling and expect to open similar centers throughout the United States.  We cannot predict when these centers may open or if the appropriate volumes can be obtained to support the AAP model at future locations.

Our retail segment is similar to many other retailers in that it is seasonal in nature.  Historically, the fourth quarter is our weakest quarter in terms of both revenues and earnings.  We believe this is primarily because the fourth quarter includes several holidays during which consumers tend to focus less on purchasing major household appliances. During fiscal year 2012, we closed two underperforming ApplianceSmart stores in our Georgia market and opened one store in our Minnesota market. Fiscal year 2012 was challenging for retail sales and profitability due to consumer anxiety about the election, economy and government spending cuts. Our total retail store revenues decreased 2.1% compared with fiscal year 2011. By comparison, industry shipments of the six primary appliances sold at ApplianceSmart decreased 2.3% according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. We are implementing strategies for addressing our underperforming stores, from right-sizing showroom space to closure. We plan to close another one or two underperforming stores in 2013.

Revenues and earnings in our recycling segment are impacted by seasonal variances, with both the second and third quarters generally having higher levels of revenues and earnings.  During fiscal year 2012, we experienced an unanticipated decline in energy efficiency program volumes throughout most of our contracts as compared with fiscal year 2011. We believe this was due to economic uncertainty and tighter budgets at electric utilities. Seasonality in the recycling segment is due primarily to our utility customers supporting more marketing and advertising during the spring and summer months.  Our customers tend to promote the recycling programs more aggressively during the warmer months because they believe more people want to clean up their garages and basements during that time of the year.  However, the addition of the GE agreement and some customers shifting to marketing their appliance recycling programs year-round has helped to mitigate some seasonality. We are seeing a shift from straight recycling programs to weatherization programs that include replacing old inefficient refrigerators and washers with new ENERGY STAR^®models and recycling the old appliances. We expect this trend to continue in 2013.

We monitor specific economic factors such as retail trends, consumer confidence, manufacturing by the major appliance companies, sales of existing homes and mortgage interest rates as key indicators of industry demand, particularly in our retail segment.  Competition in the home appliance industry is intense in the four retail markets we serve.  This includes competition not only from independent retailers, but also from such major retailers as Sears, Best Buy, The Home Depot and Lowe’s.  We also closely

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monitor the metals and various other scrap markets because of the type of components recovered in our recycling process.  This includes monitoring the American Metal Market and the regions throughout the U.S. where we have recycling centers.

We derive revenues from the sale of carbon offsets created by the destruction of ozone-depleting CFCs generated at our ARCA and AAP recycling centers.  In 2011, we sold carbon offsets on the voluntary market and recognized $1.2 million in revenues.  In 2012, our carbon offset revenues declined by $1.1 million due to uncertainty during 2012 regarding California’s nascent carbon market.  We elected to delay the destruction and sale of the majority of our accumulated CFCs until this market stabilized.  In January 2013, the California Superior Court rejected a major challenge to California’s cap-and-trade program for reducing greenhouse gases.  We cannot predict the impact of this legal case, nor other pending lawsuits, but we believe this court decision indicates growing momentum and stability in this market.  In the future, we believe it will become easier and more profitable to monetize our existing and future inventory of carbon offsets created by the destruction of CFCs.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated financial data as a percentage of total revenues for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	2012		2011
Revenues:
Retail	62.3	%	57.5	%
Recycling	22.1		26.1
Byproduct	15.6		16.4
Total revenues	100.0		100.0
Cost of revenues	75.5		71.0
Gross profit	24.5		29.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	26.3		23.3
Impairment charge	0.9		—
Operating income (loss)	(2.7	)	5.7
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(1.0	)	(0.9	)
Other income (expense), net	—		—
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(3.7	)	4.8
Provision for income taxes	0.1		1.1
Net income (loss)	(3.8	)	3.7
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.5		(0.2	)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	(3.3	)%	3.5	%

The following table sets forth the key results of operations by segment for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 (dollars in millions):

	2012		2011		% Change
Revenues:
Retail	72.4		74.5		(2.8	)%
Recycling	41.9		52.2		(19.6	)%
Total revenues	114.3		126.7		(9.8	)%
Operating income (loss):
Retail	(2.7	)	(0.3	)	(997.5	)%
Recycling	(0.2	)	6.9		(103.5	)%
Unallocated corporate costs	(0.3	)	0.6		(160.1	)%
Total operating income (loss)	(3.2	)	7.2		(144.4	)%

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Our total revenues of $114.3 million for 2012 decreased $12.4 million or 9.8% from $126.7 million in 2011.  The decrease in revenues was attributed primarily to our recycling segment and the following three factors:

1. A 27% decline in utility recycling volumes compared with 2011, resulting in lower revenues of approximately $6.3 million.

2. A summer refrigerator replacement initiative in 2011 from a California utility program that resulted in replacing over 10,000 refrigerators that did not occur in 2012, resulting in lower revenues of approximately $2.9 million.

3. A decline in carbon offset revenues of $1.1 million compared with 2011.

We expect to generate carbon offset revenues in 2013 but cannot predict the amount or frequency of carbon offset sales.  Retail segment revenues accounted for 63% of total revenues in 2012 compared with 59% in 2011. Recycling segment revenues and retail segment revenues each include a portion of byproduct revenues.  The decline in recycling volumes and lower carbon offset revenues impacted the overall mix of revenues between the retail and recycling segments in 2012 compared with 2011.

Our operating income (loss) of $(3.2) million for 2012 decreased $10.4 million or 144.4% compared with $7.2 million in 2011.  The change in operating income (loss) was attributed to several factors, including the following:

1. The combination of lower retail segment revenues and gross profit percentage compared with 2011 resulted in a $1.8 million decline in operating income.

2. An increase in retail segment sales, general and administrative expenses of $1.0 million related to operating two new ApplianceSmart stores that did not exist in 2011, offset by $0.4 million in lower advertising expenses.

3. The combination of lower recycling segment volumes, lower scrap metal prices and higher transportation costs per unit compared with 2011 resulted in a $5.8 million decline in operating income.

4. A $1.1 million decline of carbon offset revenues in our recycling segment that drop directly to operating income.

5. A $1.1 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to AAP in our recycling segment.

Revenues.  Revenues for the fiscal years of 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in millions):

	2012		2011		% Change
Retail	$	71.2	$	72.8	(2.1	)%
Recycling	25.3		33.1		(23.5	)%
Byproduct	17.8		20.8		(14.6	)%
	$	114.3	$	126.7	(9.8	)%

Retail Revenues.  Our retail revenues of $71.2 million for 2012 decreased $1.6 million or 2.1% from $72.8 million in 2011.  Comparable store appliance revenues from ApplianceSmart stores operating during the entire fiscal years of 2012 and 2011 decreased $3.8 million compared with 2011.  We believe the decline in comparable store revenues was driven by consumer anxiety about the election, economy and government spending cuts.  In November 2011, we opened an ApplianceSmart store in St. Cloud, Minnesota. In August 2012, we opened a store in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. These two new stores generated $3.0 million in revenues that did not occur in 2011. We closed two underperforming stores in our Georgia market, one in September 2012 and one in December 2012, resulting in a $0.8 million decline in revenues compared with 2011. We are implementing strategies for addressing our underperforming stores, from right-sizing showroom space to closure. We plan to close another one or two underperforming stores in 2013.

The table below illustrates our retail revenues by quarter for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 (dollars in millions):

	2012		2011		% Change
Quarter 1	$	19.7	$	19.2	2.8	%
Quarter 2	19.0		18.4		3.1	%
Quarter 3	17.3		18.8		(7.8	)%
Quarter 4	15.2		16.4		(7.3	)%
	$	71.2	$	72.8	(2.1	)%

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Our stores carry a wide range of innovative, new appliances as well as other affordable options such as close-outs, factory overruns, discontinued models and other special-buy appliances, including out-of-carton merchandise.  All of these appliances are new; we do not sell used appliances.

We continue to purchase the majority of our appliances from Whirlpool, GE and Electrolux.  We have no minimum purchase requirements with any of these manufacturers.  We believe purchases from these three manufacturers will provide an adequate supply of high-quality appliances for our retail stores; however, there is a risk that one or more of these sources could be curtailed or lost.

Recycling Revenues.  Our recycling revenues of $25.3 million for 2012 decreased $7.8 million or 23.5% from $33.1 million in 2011.  Recycling revenues are comprised of two components: (1) appliance recycling revenues generated by collecting and recycling appliances for utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs and (2) replacement program revenues generated by recycling and replacing old appliances with new energy efficient models for programs sponsored by utility companies.  Appliance recycling revenues decreased 26.5% to $13.6 million in 2012 compared with $18.6 million in 2011, due primarily to 27% decline in recycling volumes.  Replacement program revenues decreased 19.7% to $11.7 million in 2012 compared with $14.5 million in 2011.  The decrease was primarily the result of a summer refrigerator replacement initiative from a California utility program that resulted in replacing over 10,000 refrigerators in 2011 that did not occur in 2012, resulting in a $2.9 million decline in revenues.  We are aggressively pursuing new appliance recycling and replacement programs along with renewing our current contracts throughout North America but cannot predict if we will be successful in signing new contracts or renewing existing contracts.

The table below illustrates our recycling revenues by quarter for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 (dollars in millions):

	2012		2011		% Change
Quarter 1	$	5.3	$	5.7	(8.2	)%
Quarter 2	6.2		9.6		(36.0	)%
Quarter 3	7.0		11.4		(38.1	)%
Quarter 4	6.8		6.4		7.6	%
	$	25.3	$	33.1	(23.5	)%

Byproduct Revenues.  Our byproduct revenues of $17.8 million for 2012 decreased $3.0 million or 14.6% from $20.8 million in 2011.  The decrease in byproduct revenues was primarily the result of a decline in overall recycling volumes, lower carbon offset revenues and lower scrap metal prices.  The decline in overall recycling volumes and scrap metal prices resulted in lower byproduct revenues of $1.9 million. In 2011, we recognized $1.2 million in carbon offset revenues, of which $0.4 million was generated at AAP.  In 2012, carbon offset revenues declined by $1.1 million compared with 2011. Byproduct revenues include all of the revenues generated by AAP.  Revenues from AAP of $11.3 million was consistent with 2011. In 2012, AAP's recycling volume increased but was offset by lower scrap metal prices and lower carbon offset revenues.  We cannot predict byproduct material prices. We expect to generate carbon offset revenues in 2013 but cannot predict the amount or frequency of carbon offset sales.

The table below illustrates our byproduct revenues by quarter for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 (dollars in millions):

	2012		2011		% Change
Quarter 1	$	4.4	$	5.0	(11.2	)%
Quarter 2	4.2		4.9		(13.5	)%
Quarter 3	4.7		5.7		(18.9	)%
Quarter 4	4.5		5.2		(13.8	)%
	$	17.8	$	20.8	(14.6	)%

Gross Profit.  Our gross profit of $28.0 million in 2012 decreased $8.7 million or 23.9% compared with $36.7 million in 2011.  Gross profit as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 24.5% in 2012 compared with 29.0% in 2011.

Gross profit for the retail segment decreased to $18.5 million in 2012 compared with $20.2 million in 2011.  The year-over-year decrease was due primarily to a shift in sales mix.  In 2012, our product sales consisted of 72% new (in-the-box) product compared with 58% new (in-the-box) product in 2011.  New (in-the-box) product typically has lower profit margins than special buy (out-of-the-box) product. Also, in 2012, we recorded an additional $0.6 million non-cash inventory charge related to aged inventory compared with 2011.

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Our recycling segment gross profit decreased to $9.5 million in 2012 compared with $16.5 million in 2011, driven primarily by lower overall recycling volumes, higher transportation costs per unit, lower scrap metal prices and lower carbon offset revenues. The combination of a decline in our overall recycling volumes and increase in utility transportation costs per unit resulted in a $5.1 million reduction in gross profit. AAP's gross profit declined by $0.8 million compared with 2011 due primarily to lower scrap metal prices. The decline in carbon offset revenue of $1.1 million mentioned previously had a direct impact on our decline in gross profit.

Our gross profit for future periods can be affected favorably or unfavorably by numerous factors, including:

1. The mix of retail products we sell.

2. The prices at which we purchase product from the major manufacturers who supply product to us.

3. The volume of appliances we receive through our recycling contracts.

4. The volume and price of byproduct materials.

5. The volume and price of carbon offset sales created by the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses of $30.1 million for 2012 increased $0.6 million or 2.0% compared with $29.5 million in 2011.  Our SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 26.3% in 2012 compared with 23.3% in 2011.  Selling expenses increased $0.3 million to $18.9 million in 2012 compared with $18.6 million in 2011.  The increase in selling expenses was due primarily to opening two ApplianceSmart stores in 2012, partially offset by a $0.4 million reduction to advertising expense to promote our ApplianceSmart stores.  General and administrative expenses increased $0.3 million to $11.2 million in 2012 compared with $10.9 million in 2011.  The increase in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to higher health care costs under our self-funded plan.

Impairment charge.  We recorded a $1.1 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2012. AAP concluded, as a result of its goodwill impairment test, that a full impairment of its goodwill was appropriate in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification No. 350-20.

Provision for Income Taxes.  For 2012, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $0.1 million.  The tax provision recorded in 2012 is primarily related to the tax effect of the cumulative undistributed earnings from our Canadian subsidiary as it was determined that our investment in Canada is no longer permanent in duration. In 2012, we recognized a net deferred tax liability of $0.1 million consisting of a deferred liability of $1.0 million for undistributed earnings and a deferred tax assets of $0.9 million for foreign tax credits related to the undistributed earnings. In 2012, we recorded a valuation allowance of $1.2 million primarily against the NOLs generated during the year as it was determined to be more-likely-than-not that we will not recognize the benefit of the net loss incurred in 2012.

For 2011, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $1.4 million. At January 1, 2011, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of their realization. During the second quarter of 2011, we concluded, based on the assessment of all available evidence, including previous three-year cumulative income before infrequent and unusual items, a history of generating income before taxes for six consecutive quarters and estimates of future profitability, that it was more-likely-than-not that we would be able to realize a portion of our deferred tax assets in the future and recorded a $0.9 million non-cash reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  In 2011, we recorded $2.0 million and $0.3 million tax provisions related to taxable income from our U.S. and Canadian operations, respectively, which were partially offset by the non-cash reversal of a portion of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

Noncontrolling Interest.  Noncontrolling interest represents 4301’s share of AAP’s net (income) loss.  Under the AAP joint venture agreement, ARCA and 4301 each have a 50% interest in AAP.  AAP reported net loss of $1,208,000 that included a goodwill impairment charge of $1,082,000 for 2012, of which $604,000 represented the loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.  AAP reported a net income of $522,000 for 2011, of which $261,000 represented the income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Summary.  Cash and cash equivalents as of December 29, 2012, were $3.2 million compared with $4.4 million as of December 31, 2011.  Net working capital, the excess of current assets over current liabilities, decreased to $7.6 million as of December 29, 2012 compared with $11.4 million as of December 31, 2011.  The decline was primarily the result of carrying $1.2 million less in cash and cash equivalents, $1.2 million less in appliance inventory and $1.1 million in lower receivables.

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The following table summarizes our cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in millions):

	2012			2011
Total cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	0.5		$	1.4
Investing activities	(0.8		)	(1.1		)
Financing activities	(1.0		)	1.1
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0.1			(0.1		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(1.2	)	$	1.3

Operating Activities.  Our net cash provided by operating activities was $0.5 million in 2012 compared with $1.4 million in 2011.  The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 29, 2012, was related primarily to our net loss, offset by cash provided by accounts receivable, appliance inventories and accounts payable.

Investing Activities.  Our net cash used in investing activities was $0.8 million in 2012 compared with $1.1 million in 2011.  Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 29, 2012, was entirely related to the purchase of property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011, was related primarily to capital expenditures needed to complete the installation of AAP’s URT materials recovery system in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that began in 2010.  The net cash used in investing activities in 2011 was partially offset by the release of a $0.7 million deposit required by our credit card processor in 2009.  On December 31, 2012, our bankcard processor informed us that it was exercising its rights under the merchant contract and requiring a $0.5 million reserve.  The reserve will accumulate daily by garnishing 10% of our daily collections.

Financing Activities.  Our net cash used in financing activities was $1.0 million in 2012 compared with cash provided by financing activities of $1.1 million in 2011. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 29, 2012, was related primarily to payments on our long-term borrowings and revolving line of credit. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011, was related primarily to $9.4 million in proceeds from issuance of debt offset by the payment of $8.3 million on our borrowings.

Sources of Liquidity. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash from operations and borrowings under our revolving line of credit. Our principal liquidity requirements consist of long-term debt obligations, capital expenditures and working capital. Our total capital requirements for the next twelve months will depend upon, among other things, the number and size of ApplianceSmart stores operating during the period, the recycling volumes generated from recycling contracts during the period and our needs related to AAP.  Currently, we have 19 ApplianceSmart stores and 11 recycling centers, including AAP, in operation.

We believe, based on the anticipated sales per retail store, the anticipated revenues from our recycling contracts and our anticipated gross profit, that our cash balance, anticipated funds generated from operations and our revolving line of credit will be sufficient to finance our operations, long-term debt obligations and capital expenditures through at least the next twelve months. See additional information under the section “Status of Credit Agreement.” We may also need additional capital to finance our operations if our revenues are lower than anticipated, our expenses are higher than anticipated or we pursue new opportunities. Sources of additional financing, if needed in the future, may include further debt financing or the sale of equity (Common or Preferred Stock) or other financing opportunities. There can be no assurance that such additional sources of financing will be available on terms satisfactory to us or permitted by our Credit Agreement.

Outstanding Indebtedness.  On January 24, 2011, we entered into a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, as amended, (“Revolving Credit Agreement”) with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) that provides us with a $15 million revolving line of credit.  The Revolving Credit Agreement had a stated maturity date of January 24, 2014, if not renewed.  The Revolving Credit Agreement includes a lockbox agreement and a subjective acceleration clause and, as a result, we have classified the revolving line of credit as a current liability.  The Revolving Credit Agreement is collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, and PNC is also secured by an inventory repurchase agreement with Whirlpool Corporation for Whirlpool purchases only.  We also issued a $750,000 letter of credit in favor of Whirlpool Corporation.  The Revolving Credit Agreement requires that we meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis.  The Revolving Credit Agreement limits investments we can purchase, the amount of other debt and leases we can incur, the amount of loans we can issue to our affiliates and the amount we can spend on fixed assets along with prohibiting the payment of dividends.  As of December 29, 2012, we were not in compliance with all the covenants of the Revolving Credit Agreement and received a notice of default from PNC.  See additional information under the section “Status of Credit Agreement.” We were in compliance with all the covenants of the Revolving Credit agreement as of December 31, 2011. The interest rate on the revolving line of

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credit was PNC Base Rate plus 1.75%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 2.75%.  The PNC Base Rate shall mean, for any day, a fluctuating per annum rate of interest equal to the highest of (i) the interest rate per annum announced from time to time by PNC at its prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Open Rate plus ½ of 1%, and (iii) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 100 basis points (1%).  As of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $10.6 million and $10.7 million, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.07% and 3.72%, respectively, which included both PNC LIBOR Rate and PNC Base Rate loans.  The amount of revolving borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement is based on a formula using accounts receivable and inventories.  We may not have access to the full $15 million revolving line of credit due to the formula using accounts receivable and inventories, the amount of the letter of credit issued in favor of Whirlpool Corporation and the amount of outstanding loans between PNC and our AAP joint venture.  As of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $2.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

On January 24, 2011, we entered into a $2.55 million Term Loan (“Term Loan”) with PNC Bank to finance the mortgage on our California facility.  The Term Loan is payable as follows, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default or termination of the Revolving Credit Agreement: 119 consecutive monthly principal payments of $21,000 plus interest commencing on February 1, 2011, and continuing on the first day of each month thereafter followed by a 120th payment of all unpaid principal, interest and fees on February 1, 2021.  If the Revolving Credit Agreement is not renewed a balloon payment of $1.3 million in principal plus interest and additional fees will be due on January 24, 2016. The Term Loan is collateralized with our California facility located in Compton, California.  The Term Loan interest rate was PNC Base Rate plus 2.25%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 3.25%.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the interest rate was 5.50%. On October 23, 2012, we received a letter from PNC (“default notice”) notifying us that we had failed to comply with certain financial covenants under the Term Loan. See additional information under the section “Status of Credit Agreement.”

On March 10, 2011, ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC entered into three separate commercial term loans (“Term Loans”) with Susquehanna Bank, pursuant to the guidelines of the U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Program.  The total amount of the Term Loans is $4.75 million, split into three separate loans for $2.10 million; $1.40 million; and $1.25 million.  The Term Loans mature in ten years and bear an interest rate of Prime plus 2.75%.  As of both December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the interest rate was 6.00%.  The total monthly interest and principal payments are $54,000 and began on July 1, 2011.  Borrowings under the Term Loans are secured by substantially all of the assets of AAP along with liens on the business assets and certain personal assets of the owners of 4301 Operations, LLC.  We are a guarantor of the Term Loans along with 4301 Operations, LLC and its owners.

The following table summarizes our borrowings as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 (in millions):

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Line of credit	$	10.6	$	10.7
PNC term loan	2.0		2.3
Susquehanna bank term loans (1)	4.2		4.5
Other financing obligations and loans (1)	0.9		1.1
Capital leases and other financing obligations	0.2		0.3
	17.9		18.9
Less: current portion of debt	11.5		11.7
	$	6.4	$	7.2

⁽¹⁾ Represents notes from consolidating AAP.

Status of Credit Agreement. As of September 29, 2012, and December 29, 2012, we were not in compliance with the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and the limitation on loans to affiliates under the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with PNC.

• The Credit Agreement requires that we meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis. The fixed charge coverage ratio for the twelve months ended September 29, 2012, and December 29, 2012, was -1.55 to 1.00, and -2.06 to 1.00, respectively. The fixed charge coverage ratio for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, was 10.10 to 1.00.

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• The Credit Agreement provides that the outstanding balance of loans from us to AAP will not exceed specified amounts ($800,000 until June 30, 2012, $550,000 from July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012, and $300,000 thereafter). The outstanding balance of loans to AAP exceeded the permitted amount as of July 27, 2012, and at certain dates thereafter. As of December 29, 2012, and March 20, 2013, the outstanding balance of such loans were $749,000 and $669,000, respectively.

These covenant violations are “events of default” under the Credit Agreement and entitle PNC to certain remedies, including but not limited to increasing the interest rate on our obligations under the Credit Agreement by two percentage points, retroactive to the date the default first occurred (July 27, 2012), limiting our available borrowings, or declaring the entire amount of our obligations immediately due and payable. On October 23, 2012, we received a letter from PNC (“default notice”) notifying us that we had failed to comply with the covenant regarding loans to AAP and that PNC was reserving all rights and remedies available to it under the Credit Agreement or otherwise, but PNC did not increase the interest rate or accelerate the obligations.

On March 14, 2013, we executed the third amendment to our Credit Agreement with PNC that extended the agreement two additional years until January 24, 2016, waived our prior “events of default,” reset our financial covenants and increased our interest rate, among other things. The amended terms under the Credit Agreement are as follows:

• We must meet monthly minimum EBITDA requirements set forth in the amendment through 2013.

• The affiliate loan balance must be reduced by $40,000 per month in 2013 and the affiliate loan balance will be capped at $300,000 on January 25, 2014, and thereafter.

• Starting on December 28, 2013, we must meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 for the nine months then ended and on a trailing twelve-month basis beginning with the period ending March 30, 2014, and each quarter thereafter.

• The interest rate spread on our Revolving Loan and Term Loan increased 100 basis points for both PNC Base Rate loans and PNC LIBOR Rate loans. We are not eligible to borrow under PNC LIBOR Rate loans until certain Interest Rate Reduction conditions are met as set forth in the amendment. If these Interest Rate Reduction conditions are met, we will also be able to remove the 100 basis point increase for both PNC Base Rate loans and PNC LIBOR Rate loans. The earliest the Interest Rate Reduction conditions could be met is January 31, 2014.

• A prepayment penalty will be assessed at 3% during the first year of the third amendment to our Credit Agreement, 2% during the second year and 1% during the third year.

We have taken decisive steps to improve our operational execution and profitability in 2013. Our strategic initiatives span all aspects of our business, including our retail stores, regional recycling centers, corporate office and AAP joint venture. We have engaged Alliance Management to assist us with strategy development and execution through the first half of 2013. We are executing several restructuring activities that include lease terminations, job eliminations and contract renegotiations. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we terminated two leases and recorded a $0.2 million lease termination charge. The leases expire in October 2013 and January 2019. The annualized savings from the two lease terminations is approximately $0.4 million. During the first quarter of 2013, we completed a corporate staff restructuring and job eliminations that resulted in annualized savings of approximately $0.7 million and recorded a severance liability of $0.1 million. Additionally, we are executing several other cost reduction initiatives throughout 2013.

We anticipate that our existing capital resources and operating plan for 2013, including the restructuring activities mentioned above, will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. There can be no assurances that our strategies and operational execution will not result in another “event of default” with our lender that may limit our available borrowings or accelerate the obligations. There is also no assurance that we will have access to capital should PNC accelerate our obligations in the “event of default” within the next twelve months.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

Other than operating leases, we do not have any off-balance-sheet financing.  A summary of our operating lease obligations by fiscal year is included in the “Contractual Obligations” table below.  Additional information regarding our operating leases is available in “Item 2. Properties” and “Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

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The following table represents our contractual obligations (excluding interest), including AAP, as of December 29, 2012 (in millions):

Contractual Obligations	Total		Less Than One Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		More Than Five Years
PNC line of credit	$	10.6	$	10.6	$	—	$	—	$	—
PNC term loan	2.0		0.2		0.5		1.3		—
Long-term debt obligations	4.8		0.6		1.1		1.0		2.1
Capital lease and other financing obligations	0.4		0.1		0.2		0.1		—
Operating lease obligations (1)	22.3		5.6		8.2		5.0		3.5
Total	$	40.1	$	17.1	$	10.0	$	7.4	$	5.6

⁽¹⁾ Operating leases do not include payments to landlords covering real estate taxes and common area maintenance.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion of the financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.  Management regularly reviews its estimates and assumptions, which are based on historical factors and other factors that are believed to be relevant under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions, estimates or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.  See Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional disclosure of the application of these and other accounting policies.

Goodwill.  We test goodwill annually for impairment.  Additionally, goodwill is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of an entity below its carrying value. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, market values and projections regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors are used to determine the fair value of the respective assets.  If these estimates or related projections change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.  We allocate goodwill to our two reporting segments, retail and recycling.  We compare the fair value of each reporting segment to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment.  If the fair value of a reporting segment is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its goodwill.  To determine the fair value of our reporting segments, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow) corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate.  The factor most sensitive to change with respect to the discounted cash flow analyses is the estimated future cash flows of each reporting segment, which is, in turn, sensitive to the estimates of future revenue growth and margins for these businesses.  If actual revenue growth and/or margins are lower than expectations, the impairment test results could differ.  Fair values for goodwill are determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate.

Revenue Recognition.  We recognize revenue from appliance sales in the period the consumer purchases and pays for the appliance, net of an allowance for estimated returns.  We recognize revenue from appliance recycling when we collect and process a unit.  We recognize byproduct revenue upon shipment.  We recognize revenue on extended warranties with retained service obligations on a straight-line basis over the period of the warranty.  On extended warranty arrangements that we sell but others service for a fixed portion of the warranty sales price, we recognize revenue for the net amount retained at the time of sale of the extended warranty to the consumer.  As a result of our recycling processes, we are able to produce carbon offsets from the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants.  We record revenue from the sale of carbon offsets in the period when the following requirements have all been met: (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (ii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, (iii) title, ownership and risk of loss associated with the credits have been transferred to the customer, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.  We include shipping and handling charges to customers in revenue, which is recognized in the period the consumer purchases and pays for delivery.  Shipping and handling costs that we incur are included in cost of revenues. The application of our revenue recognition policy does not involve significant uncertainties and is not subject to accounting estimates or assumptions having significant sensitivity to change.

27

Product Warranty.  We provide a warranty for the replacement or repair of certain defective units.  Our standard warranty policy requires us to repair or replace certain defective units at no cost to our customers.  We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our warranty and record an accrual in the amount of such costs at the time we recognize product revenue.  Factors that affect our warranty accrual for covered units include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims on these units, and the cost of such claims.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accrual and adjust the amounts as necessary. Historically, our actual experience has not differed significantly from our estimates.

Trade Receivables. We carry trade receivables at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts.  Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions.  We write off trade receivables when we deem them uncollectible.  We record recoveries of trade receivables previously written off when we receive them.  We consider a trade receivable to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than ninety days.  We do not charge interest on past due receivables.

Inventories.  Our inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market.  We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of our appliance inventories, including adjustments to market, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions.  We look at historical inventory agings and margin analysis in determining our provision estimate.  Historically, our actual experience has not differed significantly from our estimates.

Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the liability method.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and tax operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled.  We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amounts we believe to be realizable. We regularly evaluate both positive and negative evidence related to either recording or retaining a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

Share-Based Compensation.  We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for all share-based awards granted.  We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of awards at the grant date.  We calculate the expected volatility for stock options and awards using historical volatility.  We estimate a 0%-5% forfeiture rate for stock options issued to employees and Board of Directors members, but will continue to review these estimates in future periods.  The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock options are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected life represents the period that the stock option awards are expected to be outstanding.  The expected dividend yield is zero as we have not paid or declared any cash dividends on our Common Stock.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this annual report regarding our future operations, performance and results, and anticipated liquidity are forward-looking and, therefore, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those discussed herein.  Any forward-looking information regarding our operations will be affected primarily by individual retail store profitability, the volume of appliance sales, the strength of energy conservation recycling and replacement programs and general economic conditions affecting consumer demand for appliances.  Any forward-looking information will also be affected by our continued ability to purchase product from our suppliers at acceptable prices, the ability of individual retail stores to meet planned revenue levels, the number of retail stores, costs and expenses being realized at higher than expected levels, our ability to secure an adequate supply of special-buy appliances for resale, the ability to secure appliance recycling and replacement contracts with sponsors of energy efficiency programs, the ability of customers to supply units under their recycling contracts with us, the performance of our consolidated variable interest entity and the continued availability of our current line of credit.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk and Impact of Inflation

Interest Rate Risk.  We do not believe there is any significant risk related to interest rate fluctuations on our long-term fixed-rate debt.  There is interest rate risk on the revolving line of credit, PNC term loan and Susquehanna term loans, since our interest rate floats with prime and LIBOR.  The outstanding balance on our floating rate debt as of December 29, 2012, was approximately $16.8 million.  Based on average floating rate borrowings of $17.1 million, a hypothetical 100 basis point change in the applicable interest rate would have caused our interest expense to change by approximately $0.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012.

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Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk.  We currently generate revenues in Canada.  The reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is U.S. dollars.  It is not possible to determine the exact impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes; however, the effect on reported revenue and net earnings can be estimated.  We estimate that the overall strength of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar had an immaterial impact on the revenues and net income for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012.  We do not currently hedge foreign currency fluctuations and do not intend to do so for the foreseeable future.

We do not hold any derivative financial instruments; nor do we hold any securities for trading or speculative purposes.

Also, we believe uncertainty in the housing market could continue to adversely affect buying habits of our retail segment customers in 2013.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Description	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	30
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011	31
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011	32
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011	33
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011	34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	36

Selected Quarterly Financial Data is presented in Part II, Item 6 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

29

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders, Audit Committee and Board of Directors

Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Minneapolis, Minnesota

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal years then ended.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of its internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the fiscal years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

Minneapolis, MN

March 22, 2013

30

APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands)

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,174		$	4,401
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $8 and $18, respectively	6,256			7,445
Inventories, net of reserves of $682 and $85, respectively	17,274			18,456
Income taxes receivable	522			392
Other current assets	1,332			1,028
Deferred income tax assets	—			173
Total current assets	28,558			31,895
Property and equipment, net	12,248			12,535
Goodwill	38			1,120
Other assets	935			1,232
Deferred income tax assets	25			27
Total assets (a)	$	41,804		$	46,809
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	4,957		$	4,323
Accrued expenses	4,310			4,453
Line of credit	10,559			10,685
Current maturities of long-term obligations	955			989
Deferred income tax liabilities	146			—
Total current liabilities	20,927			20,450
Long-term obligations, less current maturities	6,357			7,251
Deferred gain, net of current portion	365			853
Deferred income tax liabilities	921			875
Total liabilities (a)	28,570			29,429
Commitments and contingencies	—			—
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock, no par value; 10,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 5,556 shares and 5,527 shares, respectively	20,577			20,338
Accumulated deficit	(8,649		)	(4,797		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(290		)	(361		)
Total shareholders’ equity	11,638			15,180
Noncontrolling interest	1,596			2,200
	13,234			17,380
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	41,804		$	46,809

(a) Assets of ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (AAP), the consolidated variable interest entity (VIE), that can only be used to settle obligations of AAP were $10,045 and $11,771 as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Liabilities of AAP for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. were $1,948 and $2,186 as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

31

APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Revenues:
Retail	$	71,234		$	72,773
Recycling	25,280			33,062
Byproduct	17,799			20,834
Total revenues	114,313			126,669
Cost of revenues	86,358			89,934
Gross profit	27,955			36,735
Selling, general and administrative expenses	30,095			29,491
Impairment charge	1,082			—
Operating income (loss)	(3,222		)	7,244
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	(1,139		)	(1,133		)
Other expense, net	(12		)	(22		)
Income before provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(4,373		)	6,089
Provision for income taxes	83			1,367
Net income (loss)	(4,456		)	4,722
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	604			(261		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(3,852	)	$	4,461
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	0.81
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	0.77
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	5,551			5,497
Diluted	5,551			5,821
Net income (loss)	$	(4,456	)	$	4,722
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	71			(87		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	71			(87		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(4,385		)	4,635
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	604			(261		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(3,781	)	$	4,374

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

32

APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In Thousands)

				Accumulated
				Other
	Common Stock			Comprehensive			Accumulated			Noncontrolling
	Shares	Amount		Income (Loss)			Deficit			Interest			Total
Balance at January 1, 2011	5,493	$	19,740	$	(274	)	$	(9,258	)	$	1,939		$	12,147
Net income	—	—		—			4,461			261			4,722
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—	—		(87		)	—			—			(87		)
Issuance of Common Stock	34	117		—			—			—			117
Share-based compensation	—	428		—			—			—			428
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation	—	53		—			—			—			53
Balance at December 31, 2011	5,527	20,338		(361		)	(4,797		)	2,200			17,380
Net loss	—	—		—			(3,852		)	(604		)	(4,456		)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—	—		71			—			—			71
Issuance of Common Stock	29	86		—			—			—			86
Share-based compensation	—	153		—			—			—			153
Balance at December 29, 2012	5,556	$	20,577	$	(290	)	$	(8,649	)	$	1,596		$	13,234

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	(4,456	)	$	4,722
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,221			1,303
Impairment charge	1,082			—
Share-based compensation	153			428
Amortization of deferred financing costs	197			193
Amortization of deferred gain	(488		)	(487		)
Reversal of deferred income tax valuation allowance	—			(917		)
Deferred income taxes	367			1,621
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	—			(53		)
Other	38			(4		)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,178			(2,417		)
Inventories	1,182			(1,863		)
Other current assets	(434		)	(896		)
Other assets	20			224
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	491			(471		)
Income taxes payable	—			(7		)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	551			1,376
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(818		)	(1,757		)
Decrease in restricted cash	—			701
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			11
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(818		)	(1,045		)
Financing activities
Checks issued in excess of cash in bank	—			(42		)
Net borrowings (payments) under line of credit	(126		)	546
Payments on debt obligations	(990		)	(8,315		)
Proceeds from issuance of debt obligations	—			9,400
Payment of deferred financing costs	—			(669		)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock	86			117
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation	—			53
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,030		)	1,090
Effect of changes in exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	70			(85		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,227		)	1,336
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	4,401			3,065
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	3,174		$	4,401

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

34

APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29 2012			December 31 2011
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash payments for interest	$	935		$	931
Cash payments (refunds) for income taxes, net	$	(154	)	$	1,055
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Equipment acquired under financing obligations and capital leases	$	159		$	253
Repayment of debt from trade-in of equipment	$	87		$	—

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

35

APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

1.             Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

Nature of business: Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries (“we,” the “Company” or “ARCA”) are in the business of providing turnkey appliance recycling and replacement services for electric utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs.  We also sell new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned stores under the name ApplianceSmart®.  In addition, we have a 50% interest in a joint venture operating under the name ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (“AAP”), which recycles appliances from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States for General Electric Company (“GE”) acting through its GE Appliances business component.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.

Principles of consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and our subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

ApplianceSmart, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed through a corporate reorganization in July 2011 to hold our business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores.  ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in September 2006 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs.  ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in November 1991 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility efficiency programs.  The operating results of our wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated in our financial statements.

AAP is a joint venture that was formed in October 2009 between ARCA and 4301 Operations, LLC (“4301”) to support ARCA’s agreement, as amended, with GE acting through its GE Appliances business component.  Both ARCA and 4301 have a 50% interest in AAP.  GE sells its recyclable appliances generated from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States to ARCA, which collects, processes and recycles the appliances.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.  The agreement requires that ARCA will only recycle, and will not sell for re-use or resale, the recyclable appliances purchased from GE.  AAP established a regional processing center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at which the recyclable appliances are processed.  The term of the agreement is for six years from the first date of appliance collection, which was March 31, 2010.  AAP commenced operations in February 2010 and has the exclusive rights to service the GE agreement as a subcontractor for ARCA.  The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity and because we have the ability to significantly influence the economic performance of the entity through our contractual agreement with GE.

Fair value of financial instruments:  The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable:  Due to their nature and short-term maturities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value.

Short- and long-term debt:  The fair value of short- and long-term debt approximates carrying value and has been estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates being offered for similar debt having the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.

No separate comparison of fair values versus carrying values is presented for the aforementioned financial instruments since their fair values are not significantly different than their balance sheet carrying amounts.  In addition, the aggregate fair values of the financial instruments would not represent the underlying value of our Company.

Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the valuation allowances for accounts receivable, inventories and deferred tax assets, accrued expenses, and the assumptions we use to value share-based compensation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fiscal year:  We report on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year.  Our 2012 fiscal year (“2012”) ended on December 29, 2012, and included 52 weeks.  Our 2011 fiscal year (“2011”) ended on December 31, 2011, and included 52 weeks.

36

2.             Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and cash equivalents:  We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  We maintain our cash in bank deposit and money-market accounts, which, at times, exceed federally insured limits.  We have determined that the fair value of the money-market accounts fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Trade receivables: We carry unsecured trade receivables at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts.  Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions.  We write off trade receivables when we deem them uncollectible.  We record recoveries of trade receivables previously written off when we receive them.  We consider a trade receivable to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than ninety days.  We do not charge interest on past due receivables.  Our management considers the allowance for doubtful accounts of $8 and $18 to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Inventories:  Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of the following as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011: 

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Appliances held for resale	$	17,768		$	18,291
Processed metals to be sold from recycled appliances	188			250
Less provision for inventory obsolescence	(682		)	(85		)
	$	17,274		$	18,456

We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of our appliance inventories, including adjustments to market, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions.  We look at historical inventory agings and margin analysis in determining our provision estimate.

Property and equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost. We compute depreciation using straight-line and modified units of production methods over a range of estimated useful lives from 3 to 30 years.

We amortize leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term.  Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	Useful Life (Years)	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Land	—	$	1,140		$	1,140
Buildings and improvements	18-30	3,429			3,303
Equipment (including computer software)	3-15	20,158			19,472
Projects under construction	—	63			35
		24,790			23,950
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(12,542		)	(11,415		)
		$	12,248		$	12,535

Depreciation and amortization expense:  Depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our recycling centers is presented in cost of revenues, and depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our ApplianceSmart stores and corporate assets, such as furniture and computers, is presented in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).  Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,141 and $1,223 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenues was $591 and $507 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Software development costs:  We capitalize software developed for internal use and are amortizing such costs over their estimated useful lives of three years.  Costs capitalized were $135 and $191 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Amortization

37

expense on software development costs was $150 and $217 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Estimated amortization expenses are $124, $79 and $17 for fiscal years 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Impairment of long-lived assets: We evaluate long-lived assets such as property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  We assess impairment based on the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including cash flows from disposition.  Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss at that time.  We measure an impairment loss by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value (estimated discounted future cash flows or appraisal of assets) of the long-lived assets.  We recognized no impairment charges during fiscal years 2012 and 2011 related to long-lived assets.

Restricted cash:  Restricted cash consisted of a reserve required by our bankcard processor to cover chargebacks, adjustments, fees and other charges that may be due from us.  On December 31, 2012, our bankcard processor informed us that it was exercising its rights under the merchant contract and requiring a $500 reserve.  The reserve will accumulate daily by garnishing 10% of our daily collections.

Goodwill:  We test goodwill annually for impairment.  Additionally, goodwill is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of an entity below its carrying value. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, market values and projections regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors are used to determine the fair value of the respective assets.  If these estimates or related projections change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.  We allocate goodwill to our two reporting segments, retail and recycling.  We compare the fair value of each reporting segment to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment.  If the fair value of a reporting segment is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its goodwill.  To determine the fair value of our reporting segments, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow) corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate.  The factor most sensitive to change with respect to the discounted cash flow analyses is the estimated future cash flows of each reporting segment, which is, in turn, sensitive to the estimates of future revenue growth and margins for these businesses.  If actual revenue growth and/or margins are lower than expectations, the impairment test results could differ.  Fair value for goodwill is determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate.  During the fourth quarter of 2012, AAP determined that indicators of impairment existed that made it more-likely-than-not that the carrying value of the reporting entity exceeded its fair value. The future cash flows generated by AAP are significantly below the original investment model due to a higher level of debt service, delays and uncertainty in monetizing CFCs and declining average AMM metal prices. As a result of the goodwill impairment test, AAP recorded a $1,082 impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2012. We did not have any impairment charges to our goodwill for fiscal year 2011.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill from January 1, 2011, until December 29, 2012, are as follows:

	Recycling Segment
Balance as of January 1, 2011	$	1,120
Impairment charge	—
Balance as of December 31, 2011	1,120
Impairment charge	(1,082		)
Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	38

Accounting for leases:  We conduct the majority of our retail and recycling operations from leased facilities.  The majority of our leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance in addition to rent.  The terms of our lease agreements typically range from five totenyears.  Most of the leases contain renewal and escalation clauses, and certain store leases require contingent rents based on factors such as revenue.  For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the initial lease term.  We record any difference between straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of accrued rent in accrued expenses.  Cash or lease incentives (tenant allowances) received upon entering into certain store leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term.

Product warranty:  We provide a warranty for the replacement or repair of certain defective units.  Our standard warranty policy requires us to repair or replace certain defective units at no cost to our customers.  We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our warranty and record an accrual in the amount of such costs at the time we recognize product revenue.  Factors that affect

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our warranty accrual for covered units include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims on these units, and the cost of such claims.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accrual and adjust the amounts as necessary.

Changes in our warranty accrual, included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets, for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Beginning Balance	$	71		$	36
Standard accrual based on units sold	43			97
Actual costs incurred	(16		)	(16		)
Periodic accrual adjustments	(51		)	(46		)
Ending Balance	$	47		$	71

Income taxes:  We account for income taxes under the liability method.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and tax operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled.  We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amounts we believe to be realizable. We regularly evaluate both positive and negative evidence related to either recording or retaining a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

Share-based compensation:  We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for all share-based awards granted.  We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of awards at the grant date.  We calculate the expected volatility for stock options and awards using historical volatility.  We estimate a 0%-5% forfeiture rate for stock options issued to employees and Board of Directors members, but will continue to review these estimates in future periods.  The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock options are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected life represents the period that the stock option awards are expected to be outstanding.  The expected dividend yield is zero as we have not paid or declared any cash dividends on our Common Stock.  Based on these valuations, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $153 and $428 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We estimate that share-based compensation expense for fiscal year 2013 will be approximately $4 based on the value of options outstanding as of December 29, 2012.  This estimate does not include any expense for additional options that may be granted and vest during 2013.

Comprehensive income (loss):  Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity.  Our other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments.

Revenue recognition:  We recognize revenue from appliance sales in the period the consumer purchases and pays for the appliance, net of an allowance for estimated returns.  We recognize revenue from appliance recycling when we collect and process a unit.  We recognize byproduct revenue upon shipment.  We recognize revenue on extended warranties with retained service obligations on a straight-line basis over the period of the warranty.  On extended warranty arrangements that we sell but others service for a fixed portion of the warranty sales price, we recognize revenue for the net amount retained at the time of sale of the extended warranty to the consumer.  As a result of our recycling processes, we are able to produce carbon offsets from the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants.  We record revenue from the sale of carbon offsets in the period when the following requirements have all been met: (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (ii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, (iii) title, ownership and risk of loss associated with the credits have been transferred to the customer, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.  We include shipping and handling charges to customers in revenue, which are recognized in the period the consumer purchases and pays for delivery.  Shipping and handling costs that we incur are included in cost of revenues.

Taxes collected from customers: We account for taxes collected from customers on a net basis.

Advertising expense:  Our policy is to expense advertising costs as incurred.  Advertising expense was $2,238 and $2,680 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share:  Basic income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued.  Potentially dilutive shares of Common Stock include unexercised stock options and warrants.  Basic per share amounts are computed, generally, by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts assume the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential Common Stock instruments unless their effect is anti-dilutive, thereby reducing the loss or increasing the income per common share.  In calculating diluted weighted average shares and per share amounts, we included stock options with exercise prices below average market prices, for the respective fiscal years in which they were dilutive, using the Treasury stock method.  We calculated the number of additional shares by assuming the outstanding stock options were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire Common Stock at the average market price during the year.  For fiscal year 2012, we excluded 795 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants is anti-dilutive due to the net loss incurred.  For fiscal year 2011, we excluded 235 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants is anti-dilutive.

A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share is as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29,			December 31,
	2012			2011
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(3,852	)	$	4,461
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	5,551			5,497
Employee stock options	—			112
Stock warrants	—			212
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	5,551			5,821
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	0.81
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	0.77

3.             Sale-Leaseback Transaction

On September 25, 2009, we completed the sale-leaseback of our St. Louis Park, Minnesota, building.  The building is a 126,458-square-foot facility that includes our corporate offices, a processing and recycling center, and an ApplianceSmart retail store.  Pursuant to the agreement entered into on August 11, 2009, we sold the St. Louis Park building for $4,627, net of fees, and leased the building back over an initial lease term of five years.  The sale of the building provided the Company with $2,032 in cash after repayment of the $2,595 mortgage.  The sale-leaseback transaction resulted in an adjustment of $2,191 to the net book value related to the land and building, and we recorded a deferred gain of $2,436.  Under the terms of the lease agreement, we are classifying the lease as an operating lease and amortizing the gain on a straight-line basis over five years.  We amortized $488 and $487 of the deferred gain for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The deferred gain amortization is netted against rent expense as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

4.Variable Interest Entity

The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity and because we have the ability to significantly influence the economic performance of the entity through our contractual agreement with GE.  The financial position and results of operations for AAP are reported in our recycling segment.

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The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of AAP as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Assets
Current assets	$	787	$	1,134
Property and equipment, net	9,109		9,419
Goodwill	—		1,082
Other assets	149		136
Total assets	$	10,045	$	11,771
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	826	$	858
Accrued expenses	204		250
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	635		593
Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	4,437		5,022
Other liabilities (a)	749		647
Total liabilities	$	6,851	$	7,370

(a) Other liabilities represent outstanding loans from ARCA and are eliminated in consolidation.

The following table summarizes the operating results of AAP for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Revenues	$	11,241		$	11,337
Gross profit	584			1,373
Operating income (loss) (b)	(847		)	869

(b) The operating loss reported in fiscal 2012 includes a $1,082 goodwill impairment charge.

5.             Other Assets

Other assets as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Deposits	376		$	400
Recycling contract, net	259		339
Deferred financing costs, net	279		476
Patent costs	21		17
	$	935	1,232

For both fiscal years 2012 and 2011, we recorded amortization expense of $80 related to our recycling contract.  For fiscal years 2012 and 2011, we recorded non-cash interest expense of $197 and $193, respectively, related to deferred financing costs. 

Estimated amortization expense over the next four years, the remaining life, of our recycling contract is as follows:

2013	$	80
2014	80
2015	80
2016	19

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6.Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Compensation and benefits	$	963	$	1,023
Accrued rebate and incentive checks	563		728
Accrued rent	1,383		1,336
Warranty expense	47		71
Accrued payables	307		408
Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	487		487
Deferred revenue	157		96
Other	403		304
	$	4,310	$	4,453

7.             Line of Credit

On January 24, 2011, we entered into a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, as amended, (“Revolving Credit Agreement”) with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) that provides us with a $15,000 revolving line of credit.  See Note 9 for further discussion regarding the Term Loan entered into with PNC.  The Revolving Credit Agreement had a stated maturity date of January 24, 2014, if not renewed.  The Revolving Credit Agreement includes a lockbox agreement and a subjective acceleration clause and, as a result, we have classified the revolving line of credit as a current liability.  The Revolving Credit Agreement is collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, and PNC is also secured by an inventory repurchase agreement with Whirlpool Corporation for Whirlpool purchases only.  We also issued a $750 letter of credit in favor of Whirlpool Corporation.  The Revolving Credit Agreement requires that we meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis.  The Revolving Credit Agreement limits investments we can purchase, the amount of other debt and leases we can incur, the amount of loans we can issue to our affiliates and the amount we can spend on fixed assets along with prohibiting the payment of dividends.  As of December 29, 2012, we were not in compliance with all the covenants of the Revolving Credit Agreement and received a notice of default from PNC.  See Note 15 for further discussion regarding the notice of default and subsequent amendment to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, including waiver of the events of default. We were in compliance with all the covenants of the Revolving Credit agreement as of December 31, 2011. The interest rate on the revolving line of credit was PNC Base Rate plus 1.75%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 2.75%.  The PNC Base Rate shall mean, for any day, a fluctuating per annum rate of interest equal to the highest of (i) the interest rate per annum announced from time to time by PNC at its prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Open Rate plus ½ of 1%, and (iii) the  one-month LIBOR rate plus 100 basis points (1%).  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $10,559 and $10,685, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.07% and 3.72%, respectively, which included both PNC LIBOR Rate and PNC Base Rate loans.  The amount of revolving borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement is based on a formula using accounts receivable and inventories.  We may not have access to the full $15,000 revolving line of credit due to the formula using accounts receivable and inventories, the amount of the letter of credit issued in favor of Whirlpool Corporation and the amount of outstanding loans between PNC and our AAP joint venture.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $2,531 and $3,505, respectively.

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8.          Borrowings

Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
PNC term loan	2,040		2,295
Susquehanna term loans	4,154		4,537
2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	411		440
10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, due December 2014	280		400
Capital leases and other financing obligations	427		568
	7,312		8,240
Less current maturities	955		989
	$	6,357	$	7,251

On January 24, 2011, we entered into a $2,550 Term Loan (“Term Loan”) with PNC Bank to finance the mortgage on our California facility.  The Term Loan is payable as follows, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default or termination of the Revolving Credit Agreement: 119 consecutive monthly principal payments of $21 plus interest commencing on February 1, 2011, and continuing on the first day of each month thereafter followed by a 120th payment of all unpaid principal, interest and fees on February 1, 2021.  If the Revolving Credit Agreement is not renewed a balloon payment of $1,275 in principal plus interest and additional fees will be due on January 24, 2016. The Term Loan is collateralized with our California facility located in Compton, California.  The Term Loan interest rate was PNC Base Rate plus 2.25%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 3.25%.  As of both December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the interest rate was 5.50%. On October 23, 2012, we received a letter from PNC (“default notice”) notifying us that we had failed to comply with certain financial covenants under the Term Loan. See Note 15 for further discussion regarding the notice of default and subsequent amendment to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, including waiver of the events of default.

On March 10, 2011, ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC entered into three separate commercial term loans (“Term Loans”) with Susquehanna Bank, pursuant to the guidelines of the U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Program.  The total amount of the Term Loans is $4,750, split into three separate loans for $2,100; $1,400; and $1,250.  The Term Loans mature in ten years and bear an interest rate of Prime plus 2.75%.  As of both December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the interest rate was 6.00%.  The total monthly interest and principal payments are $54 and began on July 1, 2011.  Borrowings under the Term Loans are secured by substantially all of the assets of AAP along with liens on the business assets and certain personal assets of the owners of 4301 Operations, LLC.  We are a guarantor of the Term Loans along with 4301 Operations, LLC and its owners.

The future annual maturities of borrowings are as follows:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	320	$	635	$	955
2014	316		679		995
2015	311		538		849
2016	1,293		547		1,840
2017	—		564		564
Thereafter	—		2,109		2,109
	$	2,240	$	5,072	$	7,312

Capital leases and other financing obligations:  We acquire certain equipment under capital leases and other financing obligations.  The cost of equipment was approximately $1,969 and $1,940 at December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Accumulated amortization at December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, was approximately $1,574 and $1,458, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization expense for equipment under capital leases and other financing obligations is included in cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses.

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The following schedule by fiscal year is the approximate remaining minimum payments required under the capital leases and other financing obligations, together with the present value at December 29, 2012:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	82	$	76	$	158
2014	72		76		148
2015	61		51		112
2016	18		30		48
2017	—		15		15
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	233		248		481
Less amount representing interest	33		21		54
Present value of minimum payments	200		227		427
Less current portion	65		66		131
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	$	135	$	161	$	296

9.          Commitments and Contingencies

Operating leases: We lease the majority of our retail stores and recycling centers under noncancelable operating leases.  The leases typically require the payment of taxes, maintenance, utilities and insurance.

Minimum future rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 29, 2012, are as follows:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	5,171	$	385	$	5,556
2014	4,355		400		4,755
2015	3,100		404		3,504
2016	2,246		425		2,671
2017	1,903		427		2,330
Thereafter	2,188		1,334		3,522
	$	18,963	$	3,375	$	22,338

Rent expense for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 was $5,313 and $4,804, respectively. We have an agreement to receive future sublease payments of $634 through March 2016.

Contracts:  We have entered into material contracts with three appliance manufacturers.  Under the agreements there are no minimum purchase commitments; however, we have agreed to indemnify the manufacturers for certain claims, allegations or losses with respect to appliances we sell.

Litigation: We are party from time to time to ordinary course disputes that we do not believe to be material or have merit.  We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these ordinary course disputes.

10.          Income Taxes

For 2012, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $83.  The tax provision recorded in 2012 is primarily related to the tax effect of the cumulative undistributed earnings from our Canadian subsidiary as it was determined that our investment in Canada is no longer permanent in duration. In 2012, we recognized a net deferred tax liability of $114 consisting of a deferred liability of $994 for undistributed earnings and a deferred tax assets of $880 for foreign tax credits related to the undistributed earnings. In 2012, we recorded a valuation allowance of $1,154 primarily against the NOLs generated during the year as it was determined to be more-likely-than-not that we will not recognize the benefit of the net loss incurred in 2012.

For 2011, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $1,367. At January 1, 2011, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of their realization. During the second quarter of 2011, we concluded, based on the assessment of all available evidence, including previous three-year cumulative income before infrequent and unusual items, a history of generating income before taxes for six consecutive quarters and estimates of future profitability, that it was more-

44

likely-than-not that we would be able to realize a portion of our deferred tax assets in the future and recorded a $917 non-cash reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  During 2011, we also adjusted our deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance by $219 primarily to state our remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards at the proper amounts.  This adjustment had no material impact on our recorded income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2011.  In 2011, we recorded $2,025 and $259 tax provisions related to taxable income from our U.S. and Canadian operations, respectively, which were partially offset by the non-cash reversal of a portion of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  In 2011, we did not recognize a deferred tax liability related to cumulative undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiary because the earnings were determined to be permanent in duration. During 2011, we recognized $53 of windfall tax benefits from share-based compensation, which was recorded to Common Stock on the consolidated balance sheets.

The provision for income taxes for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Current tax expense:
Federal	$	(248	)	$	266
State	26			140
Foreign	(62		)	257
Current tax expense	$	(284	)	$	663
Deferred tax expense — domestic	365			702
Deferred tax expense — foreign	2			2
Provision for income taxes	$	83		$	1,367

A reconciliation of our provision for income taxes with the federal statutory tax rate for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 is shown below:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Income tax expense at statutory rate	$	(1,282	)	$	1,981
State tax expense, net of federal tax effect	(130		)	303
Permanent differences	194			360
Change in valuation allowance	1,154			(15		)
Recognition of tax effect for the cumulative undistributed earnings from Canada	114			—
Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance	—			(917		)
Adjustment of deferred tax assets	58			—
Utilization of foreign tax credit	—			(256		)
Foreign income tax payable true-up	(57		)	—
Foreign rate differential	—			(47		)
Other	32			(42		)
	$	83		$	1,367

Income before provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interest was derived from the following sources for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 as shown below:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
United States	$	(4,356	)	$	5,279
Canada	(17		)	810
	$	(4,373	)	$	6,089

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The components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are as follows:

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	689		$	290
Federal and state tax credits	464			—
Reserves	414			191
Accrued expenses	254			203
Share-based compensation	286			227
Deferred gain	331			521
Investments	—			103
Property and equipment	25			201
Total deferred tax assets	2,463			1,736
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	(146		)	(69		)
Property and equipment	(50		)	(262		)
Investments	(1,124		)	(1,049		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,320		)	(1,380		)
Valuation allowance	(2,185		)	(1,031		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(1,042	)	$	(675	)

The deferred tax amounts have been classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Current assets	$	—		$	173
Non-current assets	25			27
Current liabilities	(146		)	—
Non-current liabilities	(921		)	(875		)
	$	(1,042	)	$	(675	)

Future utilization of net operating loss (“NOL”) and tax credit carryforwards is subject to certain limitations under provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.  This section relates to a 50 percent change in control over a three-year period.  We believe that the issuance of Common Stock during 1999 resulted in an “ownership change” under Section 382.  Accordingly, our ability to use NOL and tax credit carryforwards generated prior to February 1999 is limited to approximately $56 per year.

At December 29, 2012, we had federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $2,311 ($1,090 of which is subject to IRC section 382 limitations), alternative minimum tax carryforwards of $322 and a foreign tax credit carryforward of $256.  We also had state NOL carryforwards of $6,837 ($713 of which is subject to IRC section 382 limitations).  The NOL carryforwards are available to offset future taxable income or reduce taxes payable through 2029.  These loss carryforwards began expiring in 2011.  We previously wrote off NOLs related to IRC section 382 limits against the valuation allowance.  At December 29, 2012, we had $1,221 of federal NOL carryforwards not subject to IRC section 382 limitations that begin expiring in 2018.

We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position.  For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we did not have any material uncertain tax positions.

It is our practice to recognize interest related to income tax matters as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we had an immaterial amount of accrued interest and penalties.

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We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, foreign jurisdictions and various state jurisdictions.  Tax regulations from each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, foreign, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2009.  We are not currently under examination by any taxing jurisdiction.

We had no significant unrecognized tax benefits as of December 29, 2012, that would reasonably be expected to affect our effective tax rate during the next twelve months.

11.          Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock:  During the first quarter of 2012, 29 stock options were exercised that resulted in cash proceeds of $86 and had an intrinsic value of $71 . During the fourth quarter of 2011, 34 stock options were exercised that resulted in cash proceeds of $117 and had an intrinsic value of $96 .

Stock options:  On May 12, 2011, our shareholders approved and adopted the 2011 Stock Compensation Plan (the “2011 Plan”).  The 2011 Plan authorizes the granting of awards in any of the following forms: (i) stock options, (ii) stock appreciation rights, and (iii) other share-based awards, including but not limited to restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance shares, and expires on the earlier of May 12, 2021, or the date that all shares reserved under the 2011 Plan are issued or no longer available.  The 2011 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 700 shares of Common Stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan.  Options granted to employees typically vest over two years while grants to non-employee directors vest in six months.  As of December 29, 2012, 52 options were outstanding under the 2011 Plan. Our 2006 Stock Option Plan (the “2006 Plan”) expired on June 30, 2011, but the options outstanding under the 2006 Plan continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.  As of December 29, 2012, 473 options were outstanding to employees and non-employee directors under the 2006 Plan.  Our Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”) has expired, but the options outstanding under the expired 1997 Plan continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.  As of December 29, 2012, options to purchase an aggregate of 8 shares were outstanding under the 1997 Plan.  We issue new Common Stock when stock options are exercised. On May 10, 2012, we granted 30 stock options from our 2011 Plan to non-employee directors with an exercise price of $4.05 per share, a vesting period of six months and a weighted average fair value of $3.57 per share. On August 2, 2012, we granted 8 stock options from our 2011 plan to non-employee directors with an exercise price of $4.01 per share, a vesting period of six months and a weighted average fair value of $3.52 per share.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Expected dividend yield	—		—
Expected stock price volatility	95.46	%	97.46	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80	%	2.93	%
Expected life of options (years)	10.00		8.85

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Additional information relating to all outstanding options is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Options Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at January 1, 2011	552		$	3.87
Granted	73		4.45
Exercised	(34	)	3.38
Cancelled/expired	(3	)	4.76
Balance at December 31, 2011	588		3.99
Granted	38		4.04
Exercised	(29	)	3.03
Cancelled/expired	(59	)	5.25
Forfeited	(5	)	4.25
Balance at December 29, 2012	533		$	3.88

The weighted average fair value per option of options granted during fiscal years 2012 and 2011 was $3.56 and $3.86, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 29, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

Range of Exercise Prices	Options Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$5.05 to $6.41	169	2.57	$	5.40
$3.55 to $4.69	191	6.72	4.01
$2.22 to $2.80	138	3.28	2.35
$1.87	35	5.95	1.87
	533	4.47	3.88		$	—

The following table summarizes information about stock options exercisable as of December 29, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

Range of Exercise Prices	Options Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$5.05 to $6.41	169	$	5.40
$3.55 to $4.69	184	4.01
$2.22 to $2.80	138	2.35
$1.87	35	1.87
	526	3.88		$	—

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding tables represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on our closing stock price of $1.29 on December 28, 2012, which theoretically could have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.  There were no in-the-money options exercisable as of December 29, 2012.

Warrants: On October 21, 2009, we issued a warrant to GE to purchase 248 shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.75 per share.  The fair market value of the warrant issued was $479 and is exercisable in full at any time during a term of ten years.  The fair value per share of Common Stock underlying the warrant issued to GE was $1.93 based on our closing stock price of $1.97.  The exercise price may be reduced and the number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased under the warrant may be increased if the Company issues or sells additional shares of Common Stock at a price lower than the then-current warrant exercise price or the then-current market price of the Common Stock.  The shares underlying the warrant include legal restrictions regarding

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the transfer or sale of the shares.  As a result of our private placement offering in April 2010, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the warrant increased to 254 shares and the exercise price decreased to $0.73 per share as defined in the agreement.  There was no accounting charge as a result of the change in warrant shares or exercise price due to the treatment of the warrant as permanent equity.  On May 13, 2010, we issued warrants to non-employees to purchase 24 shares of Common Stock at a price of $3.55 per share, with a vesting period of two years and a fair value of $3.03 per share.

Preferred Stock: Our amended Articles of Incorporation authorize two million shares of Preferred Stock that may be issued from time to time in one or more series having such rights, powers, preferences and designations as the Board of Directors may determine.  To date no such preferred shares have been issued.

12.          Major Customers and Suppliers

For the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, no single customer represented 10% or more of our total revenues.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, four customers and five customers, respectively, each represented more than 10% of our total trade receivables, for a total of 54% and 79%, respectively, of our total trade receivables.

During the two fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we purchased a vast majority of appliances for resale from three suppliers.  We have and are continuing to secure other vendors from which to purchase appliances.  However, the curtailment or loss of one of these suppliers or any appliance supplier could adversely affect our operations.

13.          Segment Information

We operate within targeted markets through two reportable segments: retail and recycling.  The retail segment is comprised of income generated through our ApplianceSmart stores, which includes appliance sales and byproduct revenues from collected appliances.  The recycling segment includes all fees charged and costs incurred for collecting, recycling and installing appliances for utilities and other customers and includes byproduct revenue, which is primarily generated through the recycling of appliances.  The nature of products, services and customers for both segments varies significantly.  As such, the segments are managed separately.  Our Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”).  The CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based on sales and income from operations of each segment.  Income from operations represents revenues less cost of revenues and operating expenses, including certain allocated selling, general and administrative costs.  There are no inter-segment sales or transfers.

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The following tables present our segment information for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Revenues:
Retail	$	72,360		$	74,478
Recycling	41,953			52,191
Total revenues	$	114,313		$	126,669
Operating income (loss):
Retail	$	(2,645	)	$	(241	)
Recycling	(241		)	6,926
Unallocated corporate costs	(336		)	559
Total operating income (loss)	$	(3,222	)	$	7,244
Assets:
Retail	$	18,476		$	20,100
Recycling	18,658			20,537
Corporate assets not allocable	4,670			6,172
Total assets	$	41,804		$	46,809
Cash capital expenditures:
Retail	$	228		$	181
Recycling	332			1,335
Corporate	258			241
Total cash capital expenditures	$	818		$	1,757
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Retail	$	226		$	331
Recycling	609			524
Corporate	386			448
Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	1,221		$	1,303
Interest expense:
Retail	$	377		$	299
Recycling	468			589
Corporate	298			250
Total interest expense	$	1,143		$	1,138

14.Benefit Contribution Plan

We have a defined contribution salary deferral plan (401(k) plan) covering substantially all employees under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  We contribute an amount equal to 10 cents for each dollar contributed by each employee up to a maximum of 5% of each employee’s compensation.  AAP also has a 401(k) plan which includes a safe harbor matching contribution of 4% of the employee’s contribution.  We recognized expense for contributions to the plans of $51 and $42 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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15.Liquidity and Credit Agreement

For the year ended December 29, 2012, we incurred a net loss attributable to controlling interests of $3,852 compared with generating a net income attributable to controlling interest of $4,461 for the year ended December 31, 2011. The $8,313 decline in our operating results had a direct impact on our covenant compliance and liquidity.

The following table illustrates changes in key liquidity measurements for the years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	2012		2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,174	$	4,401
Working capital	7,631		11,445
Available borrowing under our line of credit	2,531		3,505

As of September 29, 2012, and December 29, 2012, we were not in compliance with the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and the limitation on loans to affiliates under the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with PNC.

• The Credit Agreement requires that we meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis. The fixed charge coverage ratio for the twelve months ended September 29, 2012, and December 29, 2012, was -1.55 to 1.00, and -2.06 to 1.00, respectively. The fixed charge coverage ratio for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, was 10.10 to 1.00.

• The Credit Agreement provides that the outstanding balance of loans from us to AAP will not exceed specified amounts ($800 until June 30, 2012, $550 from July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012, and $300 thereafter). The outstanding balance of loans to AAP exceeded the permitted amount as of July 27, 2012 and at certain dates thereafter. As of December 29, 2012, and March 20, 2013, the outstanding balance of such loans were $749 and $669, respectively.

These covenant violations are “events of default” under the Credit Agreement and entitle PNC to certain remedies, including but not limited to increasing the interest rate on our obligations under the Credit Agreement by two percentage points, retroactive to the date the default first occurred (July 27, 2012), limiting our available borrowings, or declaring the entire amount of our obligations immediately due and payable. On October 23, 2012, we received a letter from PNC (“default notice”) notifying us that we had failed to comply with the covenant regarding loans to AAP and that PNC was reserving all rights and remedies available to it under the Credit Agreement or otherwise, but PNC did not increase the interest rate or accelerate the obligations.

On March 14, 2013, we executed the third amendment to our Credit Agreement with PNC that extended the agreement two additional years until January 24, 2016, waived our prior “events of default,” reset our financial covenants and increased our interest rate, among other things. The amended terms under the Credit Agreement are as follows:

• We must meet monthly minimum EBITDA requirements set forth in the amendment through 2013.

• The affiliate loan balance must be reduced by $40 per month in 2013 and the affiliate loan balance will be capped at $300 on January 25, 2014, and thereafter.

• Starting on December 28, 2013, we must meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 for the nine months then ended and on a trailing twelve-month basis beginning with the period ending March 30, 2014, and each quarter thereafter.

• The interest rate spread on our Revolving Loan and Term Loan increased 100 basis points for both PNC Base Rate loans and PNC LIBOR Rate loans. We are not eligible to borrow under PNC LIBOR Rate loans until certain Interest Rate Reduction conditions are met as set forth in the amendment. If these Interest Rate Reduction conditions are met, we will also be able to remove the 100 basis point increase for both PNC Base Rate loans and PNC LIBOR Rate loans. The earliest the Interest Rate Reduction conditions could be met is January 31, 2014.

• A prepayment penalty will be assessed at 3% during the first year of the third amendment to our Credit Agreement, 2% during the second year and 1% during the third year.

We have taken decisive steps to improve our operational execution and profitability in 2013. Our strategic initiatives span all aspects of our business, including our retail stores, regional recycling centers, corporate office and AAP joint venture. We have engaged Alliance Management to assist us with strategy development and execution through the first half of 2013. We are executing several restructuring activities that include lease terminations, job eliminations and contract renegotiations. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we terminated two leases and recorded a $174 lease termination charge. The leases expire in October 2013 and

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January 2019. The annualized savings from the two lease terminations is approximately $407. During the first quarter of 2013, we completed a corporate staff restructuring and job eliminations that resulted in annualized savings of approximately $749 and recorded a severance liability of $106. Additionally, we are executing several other cost reduction initiatives throughout 2013.

We anticipate that our existing capital resources and operating plan for 2013, including the restructuring activities mentioned above, will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. There can be no assurances that our strategies and operational execution will not result in another “event of default” with our lender that may limit our available borrowings or accelerate the obligations. There is also no assurance that we will have access to capital should PNC accelerate our obligations in the “event of default” within the next twelve months.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act), at December 29, 2012. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer concluded that, at December 29, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f).  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 29, 2012.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information regarding directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth under the headings “Nominees” and “Information Concerning Officers and Key Employees Who Are Not Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 9, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Code of Ethics

Our Audit Committee has adopted a code of ethics applicable to our directors and officers (including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and other of our senior executives and employees in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and The NASDAQ Stock Market.  A copy of the code of ethics may be obtained upon request, without charge, by addressing a request to Investor Relations, ARCA, Inc., 7400 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55426.  The code of ethics is also posted on our website at www.ArcaInc.com under “Investor Relations — Corporate Governance.”

We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding the amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the code of ethics by posting such information on our website at the address and location specified above and, to the extent required by the listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market, by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC disclosing such information.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information regarding executive compensation is set forth under the heading “Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 9, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth under the heading “Common Stock Ownership” in our Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 9, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table gives aggregate information under our equity compensation plans as of December 29, 2012:

	(a)	(b)		(c)
	Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options and Warrants	Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Number of Securities Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans, Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders	533,050	$	3.88	647,500
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders	23,500	$	3.55	—
Total	556,550	$	3.87	647,500

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information regarding director independence and certain relationships and related transactions is set forth under the headings “Director Independence” and “Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons” in our Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 9, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is set forth under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 9, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)	Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits
	1	Financial Statements
		See Index to Financial Statements under Item 8 of this report.
	2	Financial Statement Schedules
		None.
	3	Exhibits
		See Index to Exhibits on page 58 of this report.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

March 22, 2013	APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. (Registrant)
	By	/s/ Edward R. Cameron
		Edward R. Cameron
		President and Chief Executive Officer
	By	/s/ Jeffrey A. Cammerrer
		Jeffrey A. Cammerrer
		Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ Edward R. Cameron	Chairman of the Board, President and	March 22, 2013
Edward R. Cameron	Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Jeffrey A. Cammerrer	Chief Financial Officer	March 22, 2013
Jeffrey A. Cammerrer
/s/ Duane S. Carlson	Director	March 22, 2013
Duane S. Carlson
/s/ Stanley Goldberg	Director	March 22, 2013
Stanley Goldberg
/s/ Steve Lowenthal	Director	March 22, 2013
Steve Lowenthal
/s/ Randy Pearce	Director	March 22, 2013
Randy Pearce
/s/ Dean R. Pickerell	Director	March 22, 2013
Dean R. Pickerell

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Index to Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
3.2	Bylaws of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. as amended December 26, 2007 [filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 2, 2008 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.1*	Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan, effective April 25, 2002 [filed as Exhibit 28.1 to Post-Effective Amendment to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-28571) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.2*	2006 Stock Option Plan [filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-163804) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.3*	2011 Stock Compensation Plan [filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-176591) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.4	Lease Agreement for Leaseback of St. Louis Park Building [filed as Exhibit No. 10.37 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 3, 2009 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.5‡	Appliance Sales and Recycling Agreement dated October 21, 2009, between General Electric Company and the Company [filed as Exhibit No. 10.38 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2010 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.6	Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of the Company for the Purchase of 248,189 shares of Common Stock in favor of General Electric Company, dated October 21, 2009 [filed as Exhibit No. 10.39 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2010 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.7	Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement dated January 24, 2011, between PNC Bank, National Association and the Company [filed as Exhibit No. 10.11 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2011 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.8	Amendment No. 1, dated December 30, 2011, to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement dated January 24, 2011, between PNC Bank, National Association and the Company [filed as Exhibit No. 10.8 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.9	Amendment No. 2, dated March 22, 2012, to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement dated January 24, 2011, between PNC Bank, National Association and the Company [filed as Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.10+	Amendment No. 3, dated March 14, 2013, to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement dated January 24, 2011, between PNC Bank, National Association and the Company.
10.11	Term Loan dated January 24, 2011, between PNC Bank, National Association and ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC [filed as Exhibit No. 10.12 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2011 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.12	Term Loan facility dated March 10, 2011, between Susquehanna Bank and ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC, pursuant to the guidelines of the U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Program, including $2,100,000 term loan, $1,400,000 term loan and $1,250,000 term loan, guaranties by the Company and others, and security agreements [filed as Exhibit No. 10.13 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2011 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference].
21.1+	Subsidiaries of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.
23.1+	Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1+	Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2+	Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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32.1†	Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2†	Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101**	The following materials from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vI) document and entity information.
*	Items that are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 14(a)3 of this Form 10-K.
+	Filed herewith.
†	Furnished herewith.
‡	Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.
**	Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed part of a registration statement, prospectus or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filings.

59

EX-10.10

Exhibit 10.10

THIRD AMENDMENT TO REVOLVING CREDIT, TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

This Third Amendment to Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (this “Amendment”) is made as of this 14^th day of March, 2013 among APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC., a Minnesota corporation (“ARCA”), ARCA RECYCLING, INC., a California corporation (“ARCA Recycling”), ARCA CANADA INC., an Ontario, Canada, corporation (“ARCA Canada”), APPLIANCESMART, INC., a Minnesota corporation (“ApplianceSmart,” together with ARCA, ARCA Recycling and ARCA Canada, collectively, the “Borrowers” and each individually, a “Borrower”), certain financial institutions party to the Credit Agreement from time to time as lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”), and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as agent and lender (“PNC,” in such capacity, “Agent”).

RECITALS

A.The Borrowers, Lenders and PNC are parties to that certain Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement dated as of January 24, 2011 (as the same may have been amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which PNC has made certain loans to, and extensions of credit for the account of, the Borrowers. The Credit Agreement and all other documents executed in connection therewith to the date hereof are collectively referred to as the “Existing Financing Agreements.” All capitalized terms used not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby.

B.Reference is hereby made to that certain letter from Agent to Borrowing Agent dated on or about October 23, 2012, pursuant to which Agent informed Borrowing Agent that the Lenders reserved all rights and remedies available to them in connection with the Event of Default arising from the failure of the Borrowers to comply with Section 7.5(b) (“Loans”) of the Credit Agreement by permitting loans to the AAP Joint Venture to exceed $550,000 as of July 27, 2012 (the “AAP Joint Venture Event of Default”) and on certain dates thereafter.

C.The Borrowers did not comply with their obligations under Section 6.5 of the Credit Agreement (“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”) for the fiscal quarters ending September 29, 2012, and December 29, 2012, by failing to maintain, as of the end of each of such fiscal quarters, a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1.00, resulting in Events of Default (such Events of Default, together with the AAP Joint Venture Event of Default, collectively the “Designated Events of Default”).

D.    The Borrowers have requested, and PNC has agreed, to waive the Designated Events of Default and to amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement subject to the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

NOW THEREFORE, with the foregoing background hereinafter deemed incorporated by reference herein and made part hereof, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, promise and agree as follows:

1.Amendments to Credit Agreement.

(a)    Additional Defined Terms. As of the Effective Date, the following defined terms shall be added to Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement in the appropriate alphabetical order:

-1-

“13-Week Cash Flow Analysis” shall mean, for any date, an analysis of the cash flow of the Borrowers for the then-preceding week, together with a forecast of the cash flow for the Borrowers for the thirteen (13) following weeks, in each case prepared by the Borrowing Agent consistent with past practice.

“Availability Reserve” shall mean an amount equal to $500,000.

“Interest Rate Reduction Conditions” shall mean the satisfaction of the following conditions: (i) Agent shall have received the monthly financial statements of Borrowers required under Section 9.9 below for the fiscal month ending December 28, 2013, and (ii) since the Third Amendment Date, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred.

“Third Amendment” shall mean the Third Amendment to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of the Third Amendment Date and entered into by and among the Borrowers, the Agent and the Lenders.

“Third Amendment Date” shall mean March 14, 2013.

(b)Changes to Defined Terms. As of the Effective Date, the following defined terms shall be amended and restated as follows:

“EBITDA” shall mean for any period the sum of (i) Earnings Before Interest and Taxes for such period, plus (ii) depreciation expenses for such period, plus (iii) amortization expenses for such period, plus (iv) any other non-cash charges, including without limitation, any stock or other equity consideration and/or compensation for such period, acceptable to Agent in its reasonable discretion, plus (v) fees and expenses incurred by the Borrowers in connection with the Third Amendment in an amount not to exceed $150,000 to the extent expensed and not capitalized, plus (vi) any fees and expenses paid by the Borrowers during Borrowers’ 2013 fiscal year to Alliance Management in excess of $150,000 in the aggregate, plus (vii) lease termination fees paid to lessors and disclosed to Agent prior to the Third Amendment Date; provided, however, that only the amount by which such termination fees exceed $375,000 in the aggregate shall be added back to EBITDA, plus (viii) lease termination fees paid to lessors to the extent Agent agrees in writing, in its reasonable discretion, to permit such fees to be added back in calculating EBITDA.

“Maximum Revolving Advance Amount” shall mean $15,000,000.

“Revolving Interest Rate” shall mean, (a) with respect to Domestic Rate Loans, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of the Alternate Base Rate plus two and three quarters of one percent (2.75%), and (b) with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, the sum of the Eurodollar Rate plus three and three quarters of one percent (3.75%); provided, however, that upon satisfaction of the Interest Rate Reduction Conditions, the Revolving Interest Rate shall mean (a) with respect to Domestic Rate Loans, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of the Alternate Base

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Rate plus one and three quarters of one percent (1.75%), and (b) with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, the sum of the Eurodollar Rate plus two and three quarters of one percent (2.75%).

“Term Loan Rate” shall mean, (a) with respect to Domestic Rate Loans, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of the Alternate Base Rate plus three and one quarter of one percent (3.25%), and (b) with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, the sum of the Eurodollar Rate plus four and one quarter of one percent (4.25%); provided, however, that upon satisfaction of the Interest Rate Reduction Conditions, the Term Loan Rate shall mean (a) with respect to Domestic Rate Loans, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of the Alternate Base Rate plus two and one quarter of one percent (2.25%), and (b) with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, the sum of the Eurodollar Rate plus three and one quarter of one percent (3.25%).

(c)Revolving Advances. As of the Effective Date, Section 2.1(a)(y)(viii) of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated as follows:

“(viii) the Availability Reserve, minus”

(d)Interest Rates. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Credit Agreement or any of the Other Documents, upon and as of the Effective Date, all Advances made after the Effective Date shall be deemed to be Domestic Rate Loans, and Borrowing Agent shall not be permitted to request that any Advances be made as Eurodollar Rate Loans. Any outstanding Eurodollar Rate Loans shall, at the end of the applicable Interest Period, convert to Domestic Rate Loans. Upon satisfaction of the Interest Rate Reduction Conditions, the Borrowing Agent may request that Advances be made as, or converted to, Eurodollar Rate Loans as set forth in Sections 2.2 and 2.4 of the Credit Agreement.

(e)Mandatory Prepayments. As of the Effective Date, existing Section 2.21 of the Credit Agreement shall become Section 2.21(a), and the following clause (b) shall be added as Section 2.21(b):

(b)    Upon receipt by any Borrower of any cash proceeds from carbon offset credits, Borrowers shall repay the Advances in an amount equal to such cash proceeds, such repayments to be made promptly but in no event more than one (1) Business Day following receipt of such cash proceeds, and until the date of payment, such proceeds shall be held in trust for Agent. Such payments shall be applied (x) first, to the Revolving Advances, second (y) to the Term Loan in the inverse order of maturity thereof and (z) next, to the remaining Advances in such order as Agent may determine, provided however that to the extent any such cash proceeds are applied to the Revolving Advances, Agent may, in its sole discretion, institute a reserve in the Formula Amount in an amount equal to such cash proceeds; provided further that such reserve shall not exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate.

(f)Financial Covenants. As of the Effective Date, Section 6.5 of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated as follows:

6.5. Financial Covenants.

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(a) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December 28, 2013, cause to be maintained as of the end of each fiscal quarter a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1.0, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis, provided, however, that for the fiscal quarter ending December 28, 2013, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be measured on a trailing nine-month basis.

(b) Minimum EBITDA. Achieve, commencing with the fiscal month ending January 26, 2013, a minimum EBITDA of not less than the amount set forth below opposite the applicable measurement date for the applicable measurement period:

Measurement Date	Measurement Period	Minimum EBITDA
January 26, 2013	1 month ending January 26, 2013	-619,000$
February 23, 2013	2 months ending February 23, 2013	-1,028,000$
March 30, 2013	3 months ending March 30, 2013	-1,373,000$
April 27, 2013	4 months ending April 27, 2013	-1,368,000$
May 25, 2013	5 months ending May 25, 2013	-1,176,000$
June 29, 2013	6 months ending June 29, 2013	-990,000$
July 27, 2013	7 months ending July 27, 2013	-637,000$
August 24, 2013	8 months ending August 24, 2013	-292,000$
September 28, 2013	9 months ending September 28, 2013	$9,000
October 26, 2013	10 months ending October 26, 2013	$385,000
November 23, 2013	11 months ending November 23, 2013	$859,000
December 28, 2013	12 months ending December 28, 2013	$1,005,000

(g)Loans. As of the Effective Date, Section 7.5 of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated as follows:

7.5 Loans. Make advances, loans or extensions of credit to any Person, including any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate except (i) with respect to the extension of commercial trade credit in connection with the sale of Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business, and (ii) Borrowers may make loans to the AAP Joint Venture; provided, that, for each applicable time period set forth below, the aggregate amount of such

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loans shall not exceed the amount set forth below opposite such time period:

Time Period	Maximum amount of loans to AAP Joint Venture
From the Third Amendment Date through and including March 29, 2013	$709,000
From March 30, 2013, through and including April 26, 2013	$669,000
From April 27, 2013, through and including May 24, 2013	$629,000
From May 25, 2013, through and including June 28, 2013	$589,000
From June 29, 2013, through and including July 26, 2013	$549,000
From July 27, 2013, through and including August 23, 2013	$509,000
From August 24, 2013, through and including September 27, 2013	$469,000
From September 28, 2013, through and including October 25, 2013	$429,000
From October 26, 2013, through and including November 22, 2013	$389,000
From November 23, 2013, through and including December 27, 2013	$349,000
From December 28, 2013, through and including January 24, 2014	$309,000
From January 25, 2014, and at all times thereafter	$300,000

(h)Schedules; Cash Flow Analysis. Upon and as of the Effective Date, the first sentence of Section 9.2 of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated as follows:

9.2. Schedules; Cash Flow Analysis.

Deliver to Agent on or before (i) the twentieth (20th) day of each month as and for the prior month: (a) accounts receivable agings inclusive of reconciliations to the general ledger, (b) accounts payable agings; and (ii) Thursday of each week, as and for the prior week: (a) Credit Card Receivables reports, (b) Inventory reports, (c) sales, collections and credits reports, (d) a 13-Week Cash Flow Analysis, and (e) a Borrowing Base Certificate in form and substance satisfactory to Agent (which shall be calculated as of the last day of the prior month and which shall not be binding upon Agent or restrictive of Agent’s rights under this Agreement).

(i)    Term; Prepayment. Upon and as of the Effective Date, Section 13.1 of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated as follows:

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13.1. Term; Prepayment. This Agreement, which shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the respective successors and permitted assigns of each Borrower, Agent and each Lender, shall become effective on the date hereof and shall continue in full force and effect until January 24, 2016 (the “Term”) unless sooner terminated as herein provided. Borrowers may terminate this Agreement at any time upon ninety (90) days’ prior written notice upon payment in full of the Obligations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the Fee Letter, in the event the Obligations are prepaid in full prior to the last day of the Term (the date of such prepayment hereinafter referred to as the “Early Termination Date”), Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, an early termination fee in an amount equal to (i) three percent (3.00%) of the sum of (a) the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount plus (b) the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan as of the Early Termination Date (the sum of the foregoing items (a) and (b) is referred to below as the “Early Termination Base Amount”) if the Early Termination Date occurs on or after the Third Amendment Date to and including the date immediately preceding the first anniversary of the Third Amendment Date, (ii) two percent (2.00%) of the Early Termination Base Amount if the Early Termination Date occurs on or after the first anniversary of the Third Amendment Date to and including the date immediately preceding the second anniversary of the Third Amendment Date, and (iii) one percent (1.00%) of the Early Termination Base Amount if the Early Termination Date occurs on or after the second anniversary of the Third Amendment Date.

2.Waiver. Upon the Effective Date, Agent and Lenders hereby waive the Designated Events of Default and agree that, notwithstanding such Event of Default, no Default Rate interest shall be charged on the Obligations for the period commencing July 27, 2012, through and including the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this waiver shall in no way constitute a waiver of any other Default or Event of Default which may have occurred, nor shall this waiver obligate Agents or Lenders to provide any further waiver of any other Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement (whether similar or dissimilar, including without limitation any further Default or Event of Default resulting from a failure to comply with Section 6.5 or 7.5 of the Credit Agreement). This waiver shall not preclude the future exercise of any right, power, or privilege available to Agents or Lenders whether under the Credit Agreement, the Other Documents or otherwise upon the occurrence of any Event of Default after the date hereof.

3.Representations, Warranties, Covenants. Each Borrower hereby:

(a)represents and warrants to the Agent and the Lenders that all representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement and all of the other Existing Financing Agreements are true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof (except to the extent any such representations and warranties specifically relate to a specific date, in which case such representations and warranties were true and correct in all material respects on and as of such other specific date);

(b)    reaffirms all of the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement as amended hereby and covenants to abide thereby until the satisfaction in full of the Obligations and the termination of the commitments of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement;

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(c)    represents and warrants to the Agent and the Lenders that, after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under any of the Existing Financing Agreements;

(d)represents and warrants to the Agent and the Lenders that it has the authority and legal right to execute, deliver and carry out the terms of this Amendment, that such actions were duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action, as applicable, and that the officers executing this Amendment on its behalf were similarly authorized and empowered, and that this Amendment does not contravene any provisions of its organizational documents or of any contract or agreement to which it is a party or by which any of its properties are bound; and

(e)represents and warrants to the Agent and the Lenders that this Amendment is valid, binding and enforceable against the Borrowers in accordance with its terms except as such enforceability may be limited by any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law).

4.Amendment Fee. A fee of $125,000 (the “Third Amendment Fee”) shall be fully earned by the Agent and the Lenders as of the Effective Date. The Borrowers acknowledge and agree that Borrowers shall be obligated to pay, and the Borrowers hereby agree to pay: (i) one third (⅓) of the Third Amendment Fee to the Agent in immediately available funds on the Effective Date as a condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Amendment; (ii) one third (⅓) of the Third Amendment Fee to the Agent in immediately available funds on day that is one month following the Effective Date; and (iii) one third (⅓) of the Third Amendment Fee to the Agent in immediately available funds on day that is two months following the Effective Date.

5.Conditions Precedent/Effectiveness Conditions. This Amendment shall be effective upon the date (the “Effective Date”) when all of the following conditions precedent have been satisfied:

(a)Agent shall have received this Amendment (in form and substance satisfactory to Agent in its reasonable discretion) fully executed by Borrowers and the Lenders;

(b)Agent shall have received one third (⅓) of the Third Amendment Fee in immediately available funds;

(c)Since the Closing Date, no event or omission shall have occurred that has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect;

(d)All representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained herein shall be true and correct;

(e)No litigation shall be pending or threatened against any Borrower other than the litigation listed on Schedule I attached hereto;

(f)No material contingent obligations of any Borrower shall exist;

(g)Agent shall have received field examinations of the Collateral, the results of which examinations shall be satisfactory to Agent;

(h)Agent shall have received evidence that all actions necessary or desirable to perfect and protect the security interests of the Agent in the Collateral shall have been taken;

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(i)Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Certificate showing that the Borrowers have Undrawn Availability of at least $1,000,000, after (1) giving effect to payment of fees incurred by the Borrowers in connection with this Amendment, and (2) subtracting trade payables 60 or more days past due;

(j)Each Borrower shall be in compliance with all Applicable Laws; and

(k)Agent shall have received monthly and annual financial projections of Borrowers, which projections demonstrate to Agent’s satisfaction that Borrowers will be able to make payments on the Obligations when and as the same are due and payable under the Credit Agreement.

6.Further Assurances. Each Borrower hereby agrees to take all such actions and to execute and/or deliver to Agent and Lenders all such documents, assignments, financing statements and other documents, as Agent and Lenders may reasonably require from time to time, to effectuate and implement the purposes of this Amendment.

7.Payment of Expenses. Borrowers shall pay or reimburse Agent for its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment and the documents provided for herein or related hereto.

8.Reaffirmation of Credit Agreement. Except as modified by the terms hereof, all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, and all other of the Other Documents are hereby reaffirmed and shall continue in full force and effect as therein written.

9.    Miscellaneous.

(a)Third Party Rights. No rights are intended to be created hereunder for the benefit of any third party donee, creditor, or incidental beneficiary.

(b)Loan Document. This Amendment is an “Other Document” as defined and described in the Credit Agreement and all of the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement relating to Other Documents shall apply hereto.

(c)Headings. The headings of any paragraph of this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret any provision hereof.

(d)Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

(e)Severability. Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction

(f)Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by facsimile, PDF or other electronic transmissions, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

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(g)Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and its respective successors and assigns.

[SIGNATURES TO APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGES]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

BORROWERS: APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

By: /s/ Edward R. Cameron

Name:    Edward R. Cameron

Title:    President and CEO

ARCA RECYCLING, INC.

By:     /s/ Edward R. Cameron

Name:    Edward R. Cameron

Title:    President and CEO

ARCA CANADA INC.

By: /s/ Edward R. Cameron

Name:    Edward R. Cameron

Title:    President and CEO

APPLIANCESMART, INC.

By: /s/ Edward R. Cameron

Name:    Edward R. Cameron

Title:    CEO

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THIRD AMENDMENT TO REVOLVING CREDIT, TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT]

S-1

AGENT AND LENDER:      PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Lender and as Agent

By:    /s/ Timothy Canon

Timothy Canon, Vice President

200 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 600

Chicago, IL 60606

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THIRD AMENDMENT TO REVOLVING CREDIT, TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT]

S-2

SCHEDULE I

LITIGATION

1. Claim of Joseph Berta/ARCA-Canada:  In 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with AMTIM Capital for AMTIM to act as ARCA’s representative to market ARCA’s recycling services in Canada under an arrangement which pays AMTIM for revenue generated by recycling services in Canada all as more fully set forth in the agreements between the parties.  A dispute has arisen between AMTIM and the Company with respect to the calculation of amounts due AMTIM pursuant to said agreements.  AMTIM claims a discrepancy in the calculation of fees due to AMTIM by ARCA of more than $600,000 as of mid 2010.  ARCA commenced an action in the US District Court for a determination of the parties’ rights under the agreements.  AMTIM started its own action, in Ontario, against ARCA for amounts it claims it is due pursuant to the agreements.  ARCA moved the Ontario Court for a stay of that action pending the US action.  AMTIM requested the US District Court to stay the US action pending resolution of the Ontario action.  AMTIM’s motion was denied by the US District Court and the Company thereafter obtained a default judgment against AMTIM approving the manner in which ARCA has historically calculated fees due to AMTIM.  Shortly thereafter the Ontario Court dismissed ARCA’s pending motion to stay the Canadian action.  ARCA is currently pursuing a motion to dismiss this Canadian action on the grounds that the issues between the parties have already been determined by the U.S. District Court precluding any further litigation thereof.

2. Class Action Lawsuit Involving Energy Star Designations:  In February 2012, various individuals commenced a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool Corporation and various distributors of Whirlpool products, including Sears, Home Depot, Lowes and ARCA, alleging that certain appliances sold by Whirlpool through its distributorship chain, which includes ARCA, were improperly designated with the “Energy Star” qualification rating established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.  The claims against the Company include breach of warranty claims, as well as various State Consumer Protection claims.  The amount of the claim is, as yet, undetermined.  Whirlpool has offered to fully indemnify and defend its distributors in this lawsuit including ARCA, and has engaged defense counsel to defend itself, and its distributors, including ARCA.  ARCA is monitoring Whirlpool’s defense of the claims.

3. Claim of Georgia Landlord involving Conyers Lease: Civil Action File Number 2013CV227687, in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. Claim for breach of settlement agreement regarding lease dated 10/24/08 by and between Centro GA Conyers

Phase I Owner LLC (Landlord) and ARCA (Tenant), as amended, regarding property located at 1380 Dogwood Drive, S.E., Conyers, Georgia. The lease runs through January 31, 2019, and the remaining rent due is approximately $1,500,000.00. The settlement agreement calls for payment of $500,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

4. Claim of Georgia Landlord Involving Norcross Lease. Claim for breach of lease dated 8/11/03 by and between Shaheen & Company (Landlord) and ARCA (Tenant), as amended, regarding property located at 6588 Dawson Blvd., Norcross, Georgia. This lease runs through October 31, 2013, and the remaining rent due is approximately $165,000.00. If suit is filed, ARCA would also be responsible for payment of Landlord’s attorney’s fees, in the amount of approximately $25,000.00. No litigation has yet been filed.

EX-21.1

Exhibit 21.1

Subsidiaries of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.

Name	Jurisdiction of Incorporation
ApplianceSmart, Inc.	Minnesota
ARCA Recycling, Inc	California
ARCA Canada Inc	Ontario, Canada
ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC	Minnesota

ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC is a joint venture between the Company and 4301 Operations, LLC. The Company owns a 50% interest in the entity.

All other subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Company.

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File No. 333-126236, 333-163804, 333-176591) of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. of our report dated March 22, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Subsidiaries, which appears on page 30 of this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012.

/s/ BAKER TILLY VIRCHOW KRAUSE, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 22, 2013

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS:

I, Edward R. Cameron, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of and for the periods presented in this report;

4. I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:     March 22, 2013    

/s/Edward R. Cameron

Edward R. Cameron

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS:

I, Jeffrey A. Cammerrer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of and for the periods presented in this report;

4. I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:    March 22, 2013                        

/s/ Jeffrey A. Cammerrer

Jeffrey A. Cammerrer

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 (as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), the undersigned Chief Executive Officer of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 29, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:     March 22, 2013    

/s/ Edward R. Cameron

Edward R. Cameron

President and Chief Executive Officer

* A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 (as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), the undersigned Chief Financial Officer of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 29, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:     March 22, 2013                    

/s/ Jeffrey A. Cammerrer

Jeffrey A. Cammerrer

Chief Financial Officer

* A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease term	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease term	10 years

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Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					0 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 29, 2012 Common Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Common Stock [Member]	Dec. 29, 2012 2011 Plan	Dec. 29, 2012 Stock options	Dec. 31, 2011 Stock options	Dec. 29, 2012 Stock options Common Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Stock options Common Stock [Member]	Dec. 29, 2012 Stock options 2011 Plan	May 10, 2012 Stock options 2011 Plan Employees	Aug. 02, 2012 Stock options 2011 Plan Non-employee directors	May 10, 2012 Stock options 2011 Plan Non-employee directors	Dec. 29, 2012 Stock options 2006 Plan	Dec. 29, 2012 Stock options 1997 Plan
Shareholders' Equity
Issuance of Common Stock (in Shares)				29	34
Issuance of Common Stock		$ 86	$ 117	$ 86	$ 117
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		$ 0							$ 71	$ 96
Maximum number of shares of common stock which can be issued						700
Vesting period												2 years		6 months
Options Outstanding							533	588			52				473	8
Granted (in shares)							38	73					8	30
Granted, exercise price							$ 4.04	$ 4.45					$ 4.01	$ 4.05
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)							$ 3.56	$ 3.86					$ 3.52	$ 3.57
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%						0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility (as a percent)							95.46%	97.46%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)							1.80%	2.93%
Expected life of options (in years)							10 years	8 years 10 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding Balance							588	552			52				473	8
Granted (in shares)							38	73					8	30
Exercised							(29)	(34)
Cancelled/expired							(59)	(3)
Forfeiture							(5)
Options Outstanding Balance							533	588			52				473	8
Weighted average exercise Price, balance							$ 3.99	$ 3.87
Granted, exercise price							$ 4.04	$ 4.45					$ 4.01	$ 4.05
Exercisesd, exercise Price							$ 3.03	$ 3.38
Expired, exercise price							$ 5.25	$ 4.76
Forfeiture, exercise price							$ 4.25
Weighted Average Exercise Price, balance							$ 3.88	$ 3.99

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Borrowings (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 29, 2012 AAP	Dec. 31, 2011 AAP	Dec. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building	Dec. 31, 2011 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building	Feb. 28, 2011 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building PNC payment	Jan. 30, 2011 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building PNC	Dec. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building PNC	Sep. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building Base Rate PNC	Dec. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building Base Rate PNC	Sep. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building LIBOR Rate PNC	Dec. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building LIBOR Rate PNC	Dec. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment	Dec. 31, 2011 Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment	Dec. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment Susquehanna Bank	Mar. 30, 2011 Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment Susquehanna Bank AAP loan	Dec. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment Susquehanna Bank AAP	Dec. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment Prime Susquehanna Bank	Sep. 29, 2012 Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment Prime Susquehanna Bank AAP	Mar. 30, 2011 Debt instrument term loan one Susquehanna Bank AAP	Mar. 30, 2011 Debt instrument term loan two Susquehanna Bank AAP	Mar. 30, 2011 Debt instrument term loan three Susquehanna Bank AAP	Dec. 29, 2012 2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	Dec. 31, 2011 2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	Dec. 29, 2012 10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, due December 2014	Dec. 31, 2011 10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, due December 2014	Dec. 29, 2012 Capital leases and other financing obligations	Dec. 31, 2011 Capital leases and other financing obligations
Borrowings
Long-term debt, capital lease obligations and other financing obligations	$ 7,312	$ 8,240			$ 2,040	$ 2,295								$ 4,154	$ 4,537									$ 411	$ 440	$ 280	$ 400	$ 427	$ 568
Less current maturities	955	989	635	593
Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations, less current maturities	6,357	7,251	4,437	5,022
Stated interest rate (as a percent)																								27.50%		10.00%
Monthly installments					21		21									54								3		10
Debt instrument number payment after consecutive debt payments							120
Balloon Payment									1,275
Term loan to refinance the existing mortgage								2,550									4,750				2,100	1,400	1,250
Number of consecutive monthly principal payments plus interest							119
Interest rate										PNC Base Rate		1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate								Prime
Interest rate margin (as a percent)											2.25%		3.25%						2.75%
Interest rate at the end of the period (as a percent)									5.50%									6.00%
Number of separate commercial term loans entered into during period																	3
Term Loans maturity period (in years)																	10 years
Capital leases and other financing obligations
Cost of equipment acquired under capital leases and other financing obligations																												1,969	1,940
Accumulated amortization																												$ 1,574	$ 1,458

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Shareholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012	Oct. 21, 2009
Shareholders' Equity
Options Outstanding	533
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 5 months 19 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 3.88
Options Exercisable	526
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 3.88
Outstanding Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 0
Exercisable Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 0
Closing stock price used for calculation of intrinsic value		$ 1.29	$ 1.97
5.05 to 6.41 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Options Outstanding	169
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 6 months 26 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 5.40
Options Exercisable	169
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 5.40
Exercise price, minimum	$ 5.05
Exercise price, maximum	$ 6.41
3.55 to 4.69 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Options Outstanding	191
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 8 months 19 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 4.01
Options Exercisable	184
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 4.01
Exercise price, minimum	$ 3.55
Exercise price, maximum	$ 4.69
2.22 to 2.80 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Options Outstanding	138
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	3 years 3 months 11 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 2.35
Options Exercisable	138
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 2.35
Exercise price, minimum	$ 2.22
Exercise price, maximum	$ 2.8
1.87 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Options Outstanding	35
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 11 months 12 days
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 1.87
Options Exercisable	35
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 1.87
Exercise price, minimum	$ 1.87

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Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Compensation and benefits	$ 963	$ 1,023
Accrued rebate and incentive checks	563	728
Accrued rent	1,383	1,336
Warranty expense	47	71	36
Accrued payables	307	408
Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	487	487
Deferred revenue	157	96
Other	403	304
Total	$ 4,310	$ 4,453

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Liquidity and Credit Agreement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Liquidity and Capital Resources [Abstract]

Schedule Of Changes in Key Liquidity Measurements

The following table illustrates changes in key liquidity measurements for the years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	2012		2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,174	$	4,401
Working capital	7,631		11,445
Available borrowing under our line of credit	2,531		3,505

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Shareholders' Equity (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified			3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2012	Oct. 21, 2009	Dec. 31, 2009 GE Common Stock Warrant	Apr. 30, 2010 GE Common Stock Warrant	Oct. 21, 2009 GE Common Stock Warrant	May 31, 2010 Non Employee Member Stock Warrant	May 13, 2010 Non Employee Member Stock Warrant
Warrants [Line Items]
Exercise Price of warrant				0.73	0.75		3.55
Number of shares of common stock which can be purchased				254	248		24
Warrants Fair Value					$ 479
Fair value per share					$ 1.93		$ 3.03
Warrant exercisable period			10 years			2 years
Share Price	$ 1.29	$ 1.97

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Variable Interest Entity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Variable Interest Entity

Summary of assets and liabilities

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of AAP as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Assets
Current assets	$	787	$	1,134
Property and equipment, net	9,109		9,419
Goodwill	—		1,082
Other assets	149		136
Total assets	$	10,045	$	11,771
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	826	$	858
Accrued expenses	204		250
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	635		593
Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	4,437		5,022
Other liabilities (a)	749		647
Total liabilities	$	6,851	$	7,370

Summary of operating results

The following table summarizes the operating results of AAP for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Revenues	$	11,241		$	11,337
Gross profit	584			1,373
Operating income (loss) (b)	(847		)	869

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012 manufacturer
Minimum future payments operating leases
2013	$ 5,556
2014	4,755
2015	3,504
2016	2,671
2017	2,330
Thereafter	3,522
Total	22,338
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	5,313	4,804
Future sublease rentals payments receivable through March 2016	634
Number of appliance manufacturers that have material contracts with the Company			3
ARCA
Minimum future payments operating leases
2013	5,171
2014	4,355
2015	3,100
2016	2,246
2017	1,903
Thereafter	2,188
Total	18,963
AAP
Minimum future payments operating leases
2013	385
2014	400
2015	404
2016	425
2017	427
Thereafter	1,334
Total	$ 3,375

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Basic and diluted income per share
Options and warrants excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	795	235
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$ (3,852)	$ 4,461
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	5,551	5,497
Employee stock options (in shares)	0	112
Stock warrants (in shares)	0	212
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	5,551	5,821
Income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	$ 0.81
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	$ 0.77

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property and equipment
Depreciation and amortization	$ 1,141	$ 1,223
Property plant and equipment, gross	24,790	23,950
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(12,542)	(11,415)
Property plant and equipment, net	12,248	12,535
Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenues	591	507
Estimated amortization expense
2013	80
2014	80
2015	80
Land
Property and equipment
Property plant and equipment, gross	1,140	1,140
Buildings and improvements
Property and equipment
Property plant and equipment, gross	3,429	3,303
Buildings and improvements | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	18 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years
Equipment (including computer software)
Property and equipment
Property plant and equipment, gross	20,158	19,472
Equipment (including computer software) | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Equipment (including computer software) | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	15 years
Projects under construction
Property and equipment
Property plant and equipment, gross	63	35
Software development costs
Property and equipment
Costs capitalized	135	191
Amortization	150	217
Estimated amortization expense
2013	124
2014	79
2015	$ 17
Property and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Property and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years

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Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 0	$ 173
Non-current assets	25	27
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	(146)	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	(921)	(875)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (1,042)	$ (675)

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Liquidity and Credit Agreement (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011	Dec. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit	Sep. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit	Dec. 31, 2011 Revolving line of credit	Mar. 20, 2013 Revolving line of credit AAP	Dec. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit AAP	Sep. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC	Dec. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC	Dec. 31, 2011 Revolving line of credit PNC
Liquidity and Capital Resources Details [Line Items]
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio				1.10
Trailing period for measurement of fixed charge coverage ratio (in months)				12 months					12 months
Fixed charge coverage ratio				2.06	1.55	10.10
Maximum, outstanding balance, credit agreement								$ 800
Maximum, outstanding balance, credit agreement, remaining fiscal year								550
Maximum outstanding balance, credit agreement, thereafter								300
Credit agreement, covenent requirement, current outstanding balance							669	749
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	(3,852)	4,461
Decrease in operating results	8,313
Cash and cash equivalents	3,174	4,401	3,065
Working capital	7,631	11,445
Available borrowing under line of credit										$ 2,531	$ 3,505
Potential percentage points increase										2

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Line of Credit (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit	Sep. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit	Dec. 31, 2011 Revolving line of credit	Sep. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC	Dec. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC	Dec. 31, 2011 Revolving line of credit PNC	Sep. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC Base Rate	Dec. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC Base Rate	Sep. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC LIBOR Rate	Dec. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC LIBOR Rate	Sep. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC Federal Funds Open Rate	Dec. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC Federal Funds Open Rate	Sep. 29, 2012 Revolving line of credit PNC One month LIBOR rate	Dec. 29, 2012 Letter of credit PNC	Mar. 20, 2013 AAP Revolving line of credit	Dec. 29, 2012 AAP Revolving line of credit	Dec. 29, 2012 Maximum [Member] Revolving line of credit PNC	Dec. 29, 2012 Minimum [Member] Revolving line of credit PNC
Line of Credit
Amount of revolving line of credit							$ 15,000
Letter of credit issued in favor of Whirlpool Corporation																750
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio			1.10																1.1	1.0
Trailing period for measurement of fixed charge coverage ratio (in months)			12 months			12 months
Interest rate on the revolving line of credit									PNC Base Rate		1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate		Federal Funds Open Rate
Interest rate margin (as a percent)										1.75%		2.75%		0.50%	1.00%
Outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement	10,559	10,685
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)							3.07%	3.72%
Available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement							2,531	3,505
Fixed charge coverage ratio			2.06	1.55	10.10
Maximum, outstanding balance, credit agreement																		800
Maximum, outstanding balance, credit agreement, remaining fiscal year																		550
Maximum outstanding balance, credit agreement, thereafter																		300
Credit agreement, covenent requirement, current outstanding balance																	$ 669	$ 749

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Sale-Leaseback Transaction

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Sale-Leaseback Transaction [Abstract]

Sale Leaseback Transaction Disclosure [Text Block]

Sale-Leaseback Transaction

On September 25, 2009, we completed the sale-leaseback of our St. Louis Park, Minnesota, building.  The building is a 126,458-square-foot facility that includes our corporate offices, a processing and recycling center, and an ApplianceSmart retail store.  Pursuant to the agreement entered into on August 11, 2009, we sold the St. Louis Park building for $4,627, net of fees, and leased the building back over an initial lease term of five years.  The sale of the building provided the Company with $2,032 in cash after repayment of the $2,595 mortgage.  The sale-leaseback transaction resulted in an adjustment of $2,191 to the net book value related to the land and building, and we recorded a deferred gain of $2,436.  Under the terms of the lease agreement, we are classifying the lease as an operating lease and amortizing the gain on a straight-line basis over five years.  We amortized $488 and $487 of the deferred gain for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The deferred gain amortization is netted against rent expense as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

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Liquidity and Credit Agreement (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012 lease	Dec. 29, 2012	Mar. 14, 2013 Credit Agreement Third Amendment PNC	Mar. 30, 2013 Credit Agreement Third Amendment PNC Base Rate	Mar. 30, 2013 Credit Agreement Third Amendment PNC One month LIBOR rate	Mar. 20, 2013 Restructuring Plan Employee Severance
Liquidity and Capital Resources [Line Items]
Additional extension period credit agreement (in years)			2 years
Required reduction in loan balance as per agreement per month in year 2013			$ 40
Cap on loan credit agreement January 2014			300
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio			1.10
Trailing period for measurement of fixed charge coverage ratio (in months)			12 months
Increase in variable interest rate				1.00%	1.00%
Prepayment penalty percent, first year			3.00%
Prepayment penalty percent, second year			2.00%
Prepayment penalty percent, third year			1.00%
Number of leases terminated	2
Loss on contract termination	174
Annualized savings from lease terminations		407
Annualized savings from reduction of workforce						749
Restructuring reserve, severance liability						$ 106

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Sale-Leaseback Transaction (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2009 sqft	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Sale-Leaseback Transaction [Abstract]
Area of building (Sq ft)	126,458
Proceeds, net of fees	$ 4,627
Initial lease period (in years)	5 years
Proceeds from Sale of building	2,032	0	11
Repayments of mortgage	2,595	87	0
Adjustment to net book value	2,191
Deferred gain	2,436
Amortization of deferred gain		$ 488	$ 487

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Leases [Abstract]

Minimum future rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases

Minimum future rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 29, 2012, are as follows:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	5,171	$	385	$	5,556
2014	4,355		400		4,755
2015	3,100		404		3,504
2016	2,246		425		2,671
2017	1,903		427		2,330
Thereafter	2,188		1,334		3,522
	$	18,963	$	3,375	$	22,338

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Borrowings (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations

Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
PNC term loan	2,040		2,295
Susquehanna term loans	4,154		4,537
2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	411		440
10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, due December 2014	280		400
Capital leases and other financing obligations	427		568
	7,312		8,240
Less current maturities	955		989
	$	6,357	$	7,251

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]

The future annual maturities of borrowings are as follows:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	320	$	635	$	955
2014	316		679		995
2015	311		538		849
2016	1,293		547		1,840
2017	—		564		564
Thereafter	—		2,109		2,109
	$	2,240	$	5,072	$	7,312

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]

The following schedule by fiscal year is the approximate remaining minimum payments required under the capital leases and other financing obligations, together with the present value at December 29, 2012:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	82	$	76	$	158
2014	72		76		148
2015	61		51		112
2016	18		30		48
2017	—		15		15
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	233		248		481
Less amount representing interest	33		21		54
Present value of minimum payments	200		227		427
Less current portion	65		66		131
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	$	135	$	161	$	296

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Stockholders' Equity (Details 3) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012
Preferred Stock
Number of authorized shares of preferred stock	2

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Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets
Current assets	$ 28,558	$ 31,895
Property and equipment, net	12,248	12,535
Goodwill	38	1,120	1,120
Other assets	935	1,232
Total	10,045	11,771
Liabilities
Accounts payable	4,957	4,323
Accrued expenses	4,310	4,453
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	955	989
Long-term obligations, less current maturities	6,357	7,251
Total	1,948	2,186
Operating results of AAP
Revenues	114,313	126,669
Gross profit (loss)	27,955	36,735
Operating income (loss)	(3,222)	7,244
Impairment charge	1,082	0
AAP
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets
Current assets	787	1,134
Property and equipment, net	9,109	9,419
Goodwill	0	1,082
Other assets	149	136
Total	10,045	11,771
Liabilities
Accounts payable	826	858
Accrued expenses	204	250
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	635	593
Long-term obligations, less current maturities	4,437	5,022
Other liabilities	749	647
Total	6,851	7,370
Operating results of AAP
Revenues	11,241	11,337
Gross profit (loss)	584	1,373
Operating income (loss)	$ (847)	$ 869

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

The provision for income taxes for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Current tax expense:
Federal	$	(248	)	$	266
State	26			140
Foreign	(62		)	257
Current tax expense	$	(284	)	$	663
Deferred tax expense — domestic	365			702
Deferred tax expense — foreign	2			2
Provision for income taxes	$	83		$	1,367

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of our provision for income taxes with the federal statutory tax rate for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 is shown below:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Income tax expense at statutory rate	$	(1,282	)	$	1,981
State tax expense, net of federal tax effect	(130		)	303
Permanent differences	194			360
Change in valuation allowance	1,154			(15		)
Recognition of tax effect for the cumulative undistributed earnings from Canada	114			—
Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance	—			(917		)
Adjustment of deferred tax assets	58			—
Utilization of foreign tax credit	—			(256		)
Foreign income tax payable true-up	(57		)	—
Foreign rate differential	—			(47		)
Other	32			(42		)
	$	83		$	1,367

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]

Income before provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interest was derived from the following sources for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 as shown below:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
United States	$	(4,356	)	$	5,279
Canada	(17		)	810
	$	(4,373	)	$	6,089

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

The deferred tax amounts have been classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Current assets	$	—		$	173
Non-current assets	25			27
Current liabilities	(146		)	—
Non-current liabilities	(921		)	(875		)
	$	(1,042	)	$	(675	)

The components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are as follows:

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	689		$	290
Federal and state tax credits	464			—
Reserves	414			191
Accrued expenses	254			203
Share-based compensation	286			227
Deferred gain	331			521
Investments	—			103
Property and equipment	25			201
Total deferred tax assets	2,463			1,736
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	(146		)	(69		)
Property and equipment	(50		)	(262		)
Investments	(1,124		)	(1,049		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,320		)	(1,380		)
Valuation allowance	(2,185		)	(1,031		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(1,042	)	$	(675	)

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Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Summary of the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes Model

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Expected dividend yield	—		—
Expected stock price volatility	95.46	%	97.46	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80	%	2.93	%
Expected life of options (years)	10.00		8.85

Schedule of all outstanding options, activity [Table Text Block]

Additional information relating to all outstanding options is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Options Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at January 1, 2011	552		$	3.87
Granted	73		4.45
Exercised	(34	)	3.38
Cancelled/expired	(3	)	4.76
Balance at December 31, 2011	588		3.99
Granted	38		4.04
Exercised	(29	)	3.03
Cancelled/expired	(59	)	5.25
Forfeited	(5	)	4.25
Balance at December 29, 2012	533		$	3.88

Summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of excercise prices

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 29, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

Range of Exercise Prices	Options Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$5.05 to $6.41	169	2.57	$	5.40
$3.55 to $4.69	191	6.72	4.01
$2.22 to $2.80	138	3.28	2.35
$1.87	35	5.95	1.87
	533	4.47	3.88		$	—

The following table summarizes information about stock options exercisable as of December 29, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

Range of Exercise Prices	Options Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$5.05 to $6.41	169	$	5.40
$3.55 to $4.69	184	4.01
$2.22 to $2.80	138	2.35
$1.87	35	1.87
	526	3.88		$	—

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Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and cash equivalents:  We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  We maintain our cash in bank deposit and money-market accounts, which, at times, exceed federally insured limits.  We have determined that the fair value of the money-market accounts fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Trade receivables: We carry unsecured trade receivables at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts.  Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions.  We write off trade receivables when we deem them uncollectible.  We record recoveries of trade receivables previously written off when we receive them.  We consider a trade receivable to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than ninety days.  We do not charge interest on past due receivables.  Our management considers the allowance for doubtful accounts of $8 and $18 to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Inventories:  Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of the following as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011: 

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Appliances held for resale	$	17,768		$	18,291
Processed metals to be sold from recycled appliances	188			250
Less provision for inventory obsolescence	(682		)	(85		)
	$	17,274		$	18,456

We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of our appliance inventories, including adjustments to market, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions.  We look at historical inventory agings and margin analysis in determining our provision estimate.

Property and equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost. We compute depreciation using straight-line and modified units of production methods over a range of estimated useful lives from 3 to 30 years.

We amortize leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term.  Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	Useful Life (Years)	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Land	—	$	1,140		$	1,140
Buildings and improvements	18-30	3,429			3,303
Equipment (including computer software)	3-15	20,158			19,472
Projects under construction	—	63			35
		24,790			23,950
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(12,542		)	(11,415		)
		$	12,248		$	12,535

Depreciation and amortization expense:  Depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our recycling centers is presented in cost of revenues, and depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our ApplianceSmart stores and corporate assets, such as furniture and computers, is presented in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).  Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,141 and $1,223 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenues was $591 and $507 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Software development costs:  We capitalize software developed for internal use and are amortizing such costs over their estimated useful lives of three years.  Costs capitalized were $135 and $191 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Amortization expense on software development costs was $150 and $217 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Estimated amortization expenses are $124, $79 and $17 for fiscal years 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Impairment of long-lived assets: We evaluate long-lived assets such as property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  We assess impairment based on the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including cash flows from disposition.  Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss at that time.  We measure an impairment loss by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value (estimated discounted future cash flows or appraisal of assets) of the long-lived assets.  We recognized no impairment charges during fiscal years 2012 and 2011 related to long-lived assets.

Restricted cash:  Restricted cash consisted of a reserve required by our bankcard processor to cover chargebacks, adjustments, fees and other charges that may be due from us.  On December 31, 2012, our bankcard processor informed us that it was exercising its rights under the merchant contract and requiring a $500 reserve.  The reserve will accumulate daily by garnishing 10% of our daily collections.

Goodwill:  We test goodwill annually for impairment.  Additionally, goodwill is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of an entity below its carrying value. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, market values and projections regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors are used to determine the fair value of the respective assets.  If these estimates or related projections change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.  We allocate goodwill to our two reporting segments, retail and recycling.  We compare the fair value of each reporting segment to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment.  If the fair value of a reporting segment is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its goodwill.  To determine the fair value of our reporting segments, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow) corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate.  The factor most sensitive to change with respect to the discounted cash flow analyses is the estimated future cash flows of each reporting segment, which is, in turn, sensitive to the estimates of future revenue growth and margins for these businesses.  If actual revenue growth and/or margins are lower than expectations, the impairment test results could differ.  Fair value for goodwill is determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate.  During the fourth quarter of 2012, AAP determined that indicators of impairment existed that made it more-likely-than-not that the carrying value of the reporting entity exceeded its fair value. The future cash flows generated by AAP are significantly below the original investment model due to a higher level of debt service, delays and uncertainty in monetizing CFCs and declining average AMM metal prices. As a result of the goodwill impairment test, AAP recorded a $1,082 impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2012. We did not have any impairment charges to our goodwill for fiscal year 2011.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill from January 1, 2011, until December 29, 2012, are as follows:

	Recycling Segment
Balance as of January 1, 2011	$	1,120
Impairment charge	—
Balance as of December 31, 2011	1,120
Impairment charge	(1,082		)
Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	38

Accounting for leases:  We conduct the majority of our retail and recycling operations from leased facilities.  The majority of our leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance in addition to rent.  The terms of our lease agreements typically range from five totenyears.  Most of the leases contain renewal and escalation clauses, and certain store leases require contingent rents based on factors such as revenue.  For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the initial lease term.  We record any difference between straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of accrued rent in accrued expenses.  Cash or lease incentives (tenant allowances) received upon entering into certain store leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term.

Product warranty:  We provide a warranty for the replacement or repair of certain defective units.  Our standard warranty policy requires us to repair or replace certain defective units at no cost to our customers.  We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our warranty and record an accrual in the amount of such costs at the time we recognize product revenue.  Factors that affect our warranty accrual for covered units include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims on these units, and the cost of such claims.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accrual and adjust the amounts as necessary.

Changes in our warranty accrual, included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets, for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Beginning Balance	$	71		$	36
Standard accrual based on units sold	43			97
Actual costs incurred	(16		)	(16		)
Periodic accrual adjustments	(51		)	(46		)
Ending Balance	$	47		$	71

Income taxes:  We account for income taxes under the liability method.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and tax operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled.  We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amounts we believe to be realizable. We regularly evaluate both positive and negative evidence related to either recording or retaining a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

Share-based compensation:  We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for all share-based awards granted.  We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of awards at the grant date.  We calculate the expected volatility for stock options and awards using historical volatility.  We estimate a 0%-5% forfeiture rate for stock options issued to employees and Board of Directors members, but will continue to review these estimates in future periods.  The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock options are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected life represents the period that the stock option awards are expected to be outstanding.  The expected dividend yield is zero as we have not paid or declared any cash dividends on our Common Stock.  Based on these valuations, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $153 and $428 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We estimate that share-based compensation expense for fiscal year 2013 will be approximately $4 based on the value of options outstanding as of December 29, 2012.  This estimate does not include any expense for additional options that may be granted and vest during 2013.

Comprehensive income (loss):  Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity.  Our other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments.

Revenue recognition:  We recognize revenue from appliance sales in the period the consumer purchases and pays for the appliance, net of an allowance for estimated returns.  We recognize revenue from appliance recycling when we collect and process a unit.  We recognize byproduct revenue upon shipment.  We recognize revenue on extended warranties with retained service obligations on a straight-line basis over the period of the warranty.  On extended warranty arrangements that we sell but others service for a fixed portion of the warranty sales price, we recognize revenue for the net amount retained at the time of sale of the extended warranty to the consumer.  As a result of our recycling processes, we are able to produce carbon offsets from the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants.  We record revenue from the sale of carbon offsets in the period when the following requirements have all been met: (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (ii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, (iii) title, ownership and risk of loss associated with the credits have been transferred to the customer, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.  We include shipping and handling charges to customers in revenue, which are recognized in the period the consumer purchases and pays for delivery.  Shipping and handling costs that we incur are included in cost of revenues.

Taxes collected from customers: We account for taxes collected from customers on a net basis.

Advertising expense:  Our policy is to expense advertising costs as incurred.  Advertising expense was $2,238 and $2,680 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share:  Basic income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued.  Potentially dilutive shares of Common Stock include unexercised stock options and warrants.  Basic per share amounts are computed, generally, by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts assume the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential Common Stock instruments unless their effect is anti-dilutive, thereby reducing the loss or increasing the income per common share.  In calculating diluted weighted average shares and per share amounts, we included stock options with exercise prices below average market prices, for the respective fiscal years in which they were dilutive, using the Treasury stock method.  We calculated the number of additional shares by assuming the outstanding stock options were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire Common Stock at the average market price during the year.  For fiscal year 2012, we excluded 795 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants is anti-dilutive due to the net loss incurred.  For fiscal year 2011, we excluded 235 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants is anti-dilutive.

A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share is as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29,			December 31,
	2012			2011
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(3,852	)	$	4,461
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	5,551			5,497
Employee stock options	—			112
Stock warrants	—			212
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	5,551			5,821
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	0.81
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	0.77

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Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of segment information

The following tables present our segment information for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Revenues:
Retail	$	72,360		$	74,478
Recycling	41,953			52,191
Total revenues	$	114,313		$	126,669
Operating income (loss):
Retail	$	(2,645	)	$	(241	)
Recycling	(241		)	6,926
Unallocated corporate costs	(336		)	559
Total operating income (loss)	$	(3,222	)	$	7,244
Assets:
Retail	$	18,476		$	20,100
Recycling	18,658			20,537
Corporate assets not allocable	4,670			6,172
Total assets	$	41,804		$	46,809
Cash capital expenditures:
Retail	$	228		$	181
Recycling	332			1,335
Corporate	258			241
Total cash capital expenditures	$	818		$	1,757
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Retail	$	226		$	331
Recycling	609			524
Corporate	386			448
Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	1,221		$	1,303
Interest expense:
Retail	$	377		$	299
Recycling	468			589
Corporate	298			250
Total interest expense	$	1,143		$	1,138

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in warranty accrual
Beginning Balance	$ 71	$ 36
Standard accrual based on units sold	43	97
Actual costs incurred	(16)	(16)
Periodic accrual adjustments	(51)	(46)
Ending Balance	$ 47	$ 71

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Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012
Carry Forwards [Line Items]
Percentage of change in control	50.00%
Period of change in control	3 years
Limitation On Use of Carryforward Annual Amount as per Section 382	$ 56
Tax credit carryforwards, alternative minimum Ttx	322
Federal
Carry Forwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,311
Limitations on use of operating loss carryforwards	1,090
Operating Loss Carryforwards Use Without Limitation Amount	1,221
State
Carry Forwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	6,837
Limitations on use of operating loss carryforwards	713
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward
Carry Forwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	$ 256

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,174		$ 4,401
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $8 and $18, respectively	6,256		7,445
Inventories, net of reserves of $682 and $85, respectively	17,274		18,456
Income taxes receivable	522		392
Other current assets	1,332		1,028
Deferred income tax assets	0		173
Total current assets	28,558		31,895
Property and equipment, net	12,248		12,535
Goodwill	38		1,120
Other assets	935		1,232
Deferred income taxes	25		27
Total assets	41,804	[1]	46,809	[1]
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,957		4,323
Accrued expenses	4,310		4,453
Line of credit	10,559		10,685
Current maturities of long-term obligations	955		989
Deferred Income tax liabilities	146		0
Total current liabilities	20,927		20,450
Long-term obligations, less current maturities	6,357		7,251
Deferred gain, net of current portion	365		853
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	921		875
Total liabilities	28,570		29,429
Commitments and contingencies	0		0
Shareholders' equity:
Common Stock, no par value; 10,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 5,556 shares and 5,527 shares, respectively	20,577		20,338
Accumulated deficit	(8,649)		(4,797)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(290)		(361)
Total shareholders' equity	11,638		15,180
Noncontrolling interest	1,596		2,200
Total equity	13,234		17,380
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 41,804		$ 46,809

[1] Assets of ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (AAP), the consolidated variable interest entity (VIE), that can only be used to settle obligations of AAP were $10,045 and $11,771 as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. Liabilities of AAP for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. were $1,948 and $2,186 as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

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Other Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deposits	$ 376	$ 400
Recycling contract, net	259	339
Debt issuance costs, net	279	476
Patent costs	21	17
Total	935	1,232
Amortization expense related to recycling contract	80
Non-cash interest expense related to debt issuance costs	197	193
Estimated amortization expense of recycling contract
2013	80
2014	80
2015	80
2016	$ 19

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ (4,456)	$ 4,722
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,221	1,303
Impairment charge	1,082	0
Share-based compensation	153	428
Amortization of deferred financing costs	197	193
Amortization of deferred gain	(488)	(487)
Reversal of deferred income tax valuation allowance	0	(917)
Deferred income taxes	367	1,621
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation	0	(53)
Other	38	(4)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,178	(2,417)
Inventories	1,182	(1,863)
Other current assets	(434)	(896)
Other assets	20	224
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	491	(471)
Income taxes payable	0	(7)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	551	1,376
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(818)	(1,757)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	0	701
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	0	11
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(818)	(1,045)
Financing activities
Checks issued in excess of cash in bank	0	(42)
Net borrowings (payments) under line of credit	(126)	546
Payments on debt obligations	(990)	(8,315)
Proceeds from issuance of debt obligations	0	9,400
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	(669)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock	86	117
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation	0	53
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,030)	1,090
Effect of changes in exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	70	(85)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,227)	1,336
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,401	3,065
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,174	4,401
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash payments for interest	935	931
Cash payments (refunds) for income taxes	(154)	1,055
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Equipment acquired under financing obligations and capital leases	159	253
Repayment of debt from trade-in of equipment	$ 87	$ 0

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Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012 segment		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Information
Revenues	$ 114,313		$ 126,669
Operating income (loss)	(3,222)		7,244
Assets	41,804	[1]	46,809	[1]
Cash capital expenditures	818		1,757
Depreciation and amortization	1,221		1,303
Interest Expense	1,143		1,138
Interest Expense	(1,139)		(1,133)
Number of Reportable Segments	2
Retail
Segment Information
Revenues	72,360		74,478
Operating income (loss)	(2,645)		(241)
Assets	18,476		20,100
Cash capital expenditures	228		181
Depreciation and amortization	226		331
Interest Expense	377		299
Recycling
Segment Information
Revenues	41,953		52,191
Operating income (loss)	(241)		6,926
Assets	18,658		20,537
Cash capital expenditures	332		1,335
Depreciation and amortization	609		524
Interest Expense	468		589
Unallocated corporate
Segment Information
Operating income (loss)	(336)		559
Assets	4,670		6,172
Cash capital expenditures	258		241
Depreciation and amortization	386		448
Interest Expense	$ 298		$ 250

[1] Assets of ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (AAP), the consolidated variable interest entity (VIE), that can only be used to settle obligations of AAP were $10,045 and $11,771 as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. Liabilities of AAP for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. were $1,948 and $2,186 as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Trade receivables
Trade Receivable Period to be Recognized as Past Due Minimum	90 days
Accounts receivable, allowance		$ 8	$ 18
Advertising Expense		2,238	2,680
Merchant contract reserve		$ 500
Restricted cash accumulated garnishing percentage		10.00%

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Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of business and basis of presentation

Nature of business: Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries (“we,” the “Company” or “ARCA”) are in the business of providing turnkey appliance recycling and replacement services for electric utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs.  We also sell new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned stores under the name ApplianceSmart®.  In addition, we have a 50% interest in a joint venture operating under the name ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (“AAP”), which recycles appliances from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States for General Electric Company (“GE”) acting through its GE Appliances business component.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.

Principles of consolidation

Principles of consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and our subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

ApplianceSmart, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed through a corporate reorganization in July 2011 to hold our business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores.  ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in September 2006 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs.  ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in November 1991 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility efficiency programs.  The operating results of our wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated in our financial statements.

AAP is a joint venture that was formed in October 2009 between ARCA and 4301 Operations, LLC (“4301”) to support ARCA’s agreement, as amended, with GE acting through its GE Appliances business component.  Both ARCA and 4301 have a 50% interest in AAP.  GE sells its recyclable appliances generated from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States to ARCA, which collects, processes and recycles the appliances.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.  The agreement requires that ARCA will only recycle, and will not sell for re-use or resale, the recyclable appliances purchased from GE.  AAP established a regional processing center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at which the recyclable appliances are processed.  The term of the agreement is for six years from the first date of appliance collection, which was March 31, 2010.  AAP commenced operations in February 2010 and has the exclusive rights to service the GE agreement as a subcontractor for ARCA.  The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity and because we have the ability to significantly influence the economic performance of the entity through our contractual agreement with GE.

Fair value of financial instruments

Fair value of financial instruments:  The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable:  Due to their nature and short-term maturities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value.

Short- and long-term debt:  The fair value of short- and long-term debt approximates carrying value and has been estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates being offered for similar debt having the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.

No separate comparison of fair values versus carrying values is presented for the aforementioned financial instruments since their fair values are not significantly different than their balance sheet carrying amounts.  In addition, the aggregate fair values of the financial instruments would not represent the underlying value of our Company.

Estimates

Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the valuation allowances for accounts receivable, inventories and deferred tax assets, accrued expenses, and the assumptions we use to value share-based compensation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories
Appliances held for resale	$ 17,768	$ 18,291
Processed metals from recycled appliances held for resale	188	250
Less provision for inventory obsolescence	(682)	(85)
Inventory, Net	$ 17,274	$ 18,456

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Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market

Inventories:  Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of the following as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011: 

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Appliances held for resale	$	17,768		$	18,291
Processed metals to be sold from recycled appliances	188			250
Less provision for inventory obsolescence	(682		)	(85		)
	$	17,274		$	18,456

Schedule of property and equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	Useful Life (Years)	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Land	—	$	1,140		$	1,140
Buildings and improvements	18-30	3,429			3,303
Equipment (including computer software)	3-15	20,158			19,472
Projects under construction	—	63			35
		24,790			23,950
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(12,542		)	(11,415		)
		$	12,248		$	12,535

Schedule of Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill from January 1, 2011, until December 29, 2012, are as follows:

	Recycling Segment
Balance as of January 1, 2011	$	1,120
Impairment charge	—
Balance as of December 31, 2011	1,120
Impairment charge	(1,082		)
Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	38

Schedule of warranty accrual

Changes in our warranty accrual, included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets, for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Beginning Balance	$	71		$	36
Standard accrual based on units sold	43			97
Actual costs incurred	(16		)	(16		)
Periodic accrual adjustments	(51		)	(46		)
Ending Balance	$	47		$	71

Schedule of reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share

A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share is as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29,			December 31,
	2012			2011
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(3,852	)	$	4,461
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	5,551			5,497
Employee stock options	—			112
Stock warrants	—			212
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	5,551			5,821
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	0.81
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	0.77

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Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

Nature of business: Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries (“we,” the “Company” or “ARCA”) are in the business of providing turnkey appliance recycling and replacement services for electric utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs.  We also sell new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned stores under the name ApplianceSmart®.  In addition, we have a 50% interest in a joint venture operating under the name ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (“AAP”), which recycles appliances from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States for General Electric Company (“GE”) acting through its GE Appliances business component.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.

Principles of consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and our subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

ApplianceSmart, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed through a corporate reorganization in July 2011 to hold our business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores.  ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in September 2006 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs.  ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in November 1991 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility efficiency programs.  The operating results of our wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated in our financial statements.

AAP is a joint venture that was formed in October 2009 between ARCA and 4301 Operations, LLC (“4301”) to support ARCA’s agreement, as amended, with GE acting through its GE Appliances business component.  Both ARCA and 4301 have a 50% interest in AAP.  GE sells its recyclable appliances generated from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States to ARCA, which collects, processes and recycles the appliances.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.  The agreement requires that ARCA will only recycle, and will not sell for re-use or resale, the recyclable appliances purchased from GE.  AAP established a regional processing center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at which the recyclable appliances are processed.  The term of the agreement is for six years from the first date of appliance collection, which was March 31, 2010.  AAP commenced operations in February 2010 and has the exclusive rights to service the GE agreement as a subcontractor for ARCA.  The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity and because we have the ability to significantly influence the economic performance of the entity through our contractual agreement with GE.

Fair value of financial instruments:  The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable:  Due to their nature and short-term maturities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value.

Short- and long-term debt:  The fair value of short- and long-term debt approximates carrying value and has been estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates being offered for similar debt having the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.

No separate comparison of fair values versus carrying values is presented for the aforementioned financial instruments since their fair values are not significantly different than their balance sheet carrying amounts.  In addition, the aggregate fair values of the financial instruments would not represent the underlying value of our Company.

Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the valuation allowances for accounts receivable, inventories and deferred tax assets, accrued expenses, and the assumptions we use to value share-based compensation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fiscal year:  We report on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year.  Our 2012 fiscal year (“2012”) ended on December 29, 2012, and included 52 weeks.  Our 2011 fiscal year (“2011”) ended on December 31, 2011, and included 52 weeks.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 8	$ 18
Inventories, reserves	682	85
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000	10,000
Common Stock, issued shares (in shares)	5,556	5,527
Common Stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	5,556	5,527
Assets of the consolidated variable interest entity	10,045	11,771
Liabilities of the consolidated variable interest entity	$ 1,948	$ 2,186

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Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock:  During the first quarter of 2012, 29 stock options were exercised that resulted in cash proceeds of $86 and had an intrinsic value of $71 . During the fourth quarter of 2011, 34 stock options were exercised that resulted in cash proceeds of $117 and had an intrinsic value of $96 .

Stock options:  On May 12, 2011, our shareholders approved and adopted the 2011 Stock Compensation Plan (the “2011 Plan”).  The 2011 Plan authorizes the granting of awards in any of the following forms: (i) stock options, (ii) stock appreciation rights, and (iii) other share-based awards, including but not limited to restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance shares, and expires on the earlier of May 12, 2021, or the date that all shares reserved under the 2011 Plan are issued or no longer available.  The 2011 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 700 shares of Common Stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan.  Options granted to employees typically vest over two years while grants to non-employee directors vest in six months.  As of December 29, 2012, 52 options were outstanding under the 2011 Plan. Our 2006 Stock Option Plan (the “2006 Plan”) expired on June 30, 2011, but the options outstanding under the 2006 Plan continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.  As of December 29, 2012, 473 options were outstanding to employees and non-employee directors under the 2006 Plan.  Our Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”) has expired, but the options outstanding under the expired 1997 Plan continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.  As of December 29, 2012, options to purchase an aggregate of 8 shares were outstanding under the 1997 Plan.  We issue new Common Stock when stock options are exercised. On May 10, 2012, we granted 30 stock options from our 2011 Plan to non-employee directors with an exercise price of $4.05 per share, a vesting period of six months and a weighted average fair value of $3.57 per share. On August 2, 2012, we granted 8 stock options from our 2011 plan to non-employee directors with an exercise price of $4.01 per share, a vesting period of six months and a weighted average fair value of $3.52 per share.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Expected dividend yield	—		—
Expected stock price volatility	95.46	%	97.46	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80	%	2.93	%
Expected life of options (years)	10.00		8.85

Additional information relating to all outstanding options is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Options Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at January 1, 2011	552		$	3.87
Granted	73		4.45
Exercised	(34	)	3.38
Cancelled/expired	(3	)	4.76
Balance at December 31, 2011	588		3.99
Granted	38		4.04
Exercised	(29	)	3.03
Cancelled/expired	(59	)	5.25
Forfeited	(5	)	4.25
Balance at December 29, 2012	533		$	3.88

The weighted average fair value per option of options granted during fiscal years 2012 and 2011 was $3.56 and $3.86, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 29, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

Range of Exercise Prices	Options Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$5.05 to $6.41	169	2.57	$	5.40
$3.55 to $4.69	191	6.72	4.01
$2.22 to $2.80	138	3.28	2.35
$1.87	35	5.95	1.87
	533	4.47	3.88		$	—

The following table summarizes information about stock options exercisable as of December 29, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

Range of Exercise Prices	Options Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$5.05 to $6.41	169	$	5.40
$3.55 to $4.69	184	4.01
$2.22 to $2.80	138	2.35
$1.87	35	1.87
	526	3.88		$	—

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding tables represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on our closing stock price of $1.29 on December 28, 2012, which theoretically could have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.  There were no in-the-money options exercisable as of December 29, 2012.

Warrants: On October 21, 2009, we issued a warrant to GE to purchase 248 shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.75 per share.  The fair market value of the warrant issued was $479 and is exercisable in full at any time during a term of ten years.  The fair value per share of Common Stock underlying the warrant issued to GE was $1.93 based on our closing stock price of $1.97.  The exercise price may be reduced and the number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased under the warrant may be increased if the Company issues or sells additional shares of Common Stock at a price lower than the then-current warrant exercise price or the then-current market price of the Common Stock.  The shares underlying the warrant include legal restrictions regarding the transfer or sale of the shares.  As a result of our private placement offering in April 2010, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the warrant increased to 254 shares and the exercise price decreased to $0.73 per share as defined in the agreement.  There was no accounting charge as a result of the change in warrant shares or exercise price due to the treatment of the warrant as permanent equity.  On May 13, 2010, we issued warrants to non-employees to purchase 24 shares of Common Stock at a price of $3.55 per share, with a vesting period of two years and a fair value of $3.03 per share.

Preferred Stock: Our amended Articles of Incorporation authorize two million shares of Preferred Stock that may be issued from time to time in one or more series having such rights, powers, preferences and designations as the Board of Directors may determine.  To date no such preferred shares have been issued.

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Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Mar. 20, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA INC /MN
Entity Central Index Key	0000862861
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-29
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 29, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,555,927
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 19,883,683

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Major Customers and Suppliers

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Major Customers and Suppliers [Abstract]

Major Customers and Suppliers

Major Customers and Suppliers

For the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, no single customer represented 10% or more of our total revenues.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, four customers and five customers, respectively, each represented more than 10% of our total trade receivables, for a total of 54% and 79%, respectively, of our total trade receivables.

During the two fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we purchased a vast majority of appliances for resale from three suppliers.  We have and are continuing to secure other vendors from which to purchase appliances.  However, the curtailment or loss of one of these suppliers or any appliance supplier could adversely affect our operations.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Retail	$ 71,234	$ 72,773
Recycling	25,280	33,062
Byproduct	17,799	20,834
Total revenues	114,313	126,669
Costs of revenues	86,358	89,934
Gross profit	27,955	36,735
Selling, general and administrative expenses	30,095	29,491
Impairment charge	1,082	0
Operating income (loss)	(3,222)	7,244
Other income (expense):
Interest Income (Expense), Net	(1,139)	(1,133)
Other income (expense), net	(12)	(22)
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(4,373)	6,089
Provision for income taxes	83	1,367
Net income (loss)	(4,456)	4,722
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	604	(261)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	(3,852)	4,461
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	$ 0.81
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.69)	$ 0.77
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	5,551	5,497
Diluted (in shares)	5,551	5,821
Net income (loss)	(4,456)	4,722
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	71	(87)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	71	(87)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(4,385)	4,635
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	604	(261)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$ (3,781)	$ 4,374

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Accrued Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Compensation and benefits	$	963	$	1,023
Accrued rebate and incentive checks	563		728
Accrued rent	1,383		1,336
Warranty expense	47		71
Accrued payables	307		408
Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	487		487
Deferred revenue	157		96
Other	403		304
	$	4,310	$	4,453

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Other Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]

Other Assets

Other Assets

Other assets as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Deposits	376		$	400
Recycling contract, net	259		339
Deferred financing costs, net	279		476
Patent costs	21		17
	$	935	1,232

For both fiscal years 2012 and 2011, we recorded amortization expense of $80 related to our recycling contract.  For fiscal years 2012 and 2011, we recorded non-cash interest expense of $197 and $193, respectively, related to deferred financing costs. 

Estimated amortization expense over the next four years, the remaining life, of our recycling contract is as follows:

2013	$	80
2014	80
2015	80
2016	19

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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents:  We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  We maintain our cash in bank deposit and money-market accounts, which, at times, exceed federally insured limits.  We have determined that the fair value of the money-market accounts fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Trade receivables

Trade receivables: We carry unsecured trade receivables at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts.  Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions.  We write off trade receivables when we deem them uncollectible.  We record recoveries of trade receivables previously written off when we receive them.  We consider a trade receivable to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than ninety days.  We do not charge interest on past due receivables.  Our management considers the allowance for doubtful accounts of $8 and $18 to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories:  Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of the following as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011: 

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Appliances held for resale	$	17,768		$	18,291
Processed metals to be sold from recycled appliances	188			250
Less provision for inventory obsolescence	(682		)	(85		)
	$	17,274		$	18,456

We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of our appliance inventories, including adjustments to market, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions.  We look at historical inventory agings and margin analysis in determining our provision estimate.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost. We compute depreciation using straight-line and modified units of production methods over a range of estimated useful lives from 3 to 30 years.

We amortize leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term.  Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	Useful Life (Years)	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Land	—	$	1,140		$	1,140
Buildings and improvements	18-30	3,429			3,303
Equipment (including computer software)	3-15	20,158			19,472
Projects under construction	—	63			35
		24,790			23,950
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(12,542		)	(11,415		)
		$	12,248		$	12,535

Depreciation and amortization expense

Depreciation and amortization expense:  Depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our recycling centers is presented in cost of revenues, and depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our ApplianceSmart stores and corporate assets, such as furniture and computers, is presented in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).  Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,141 and $1,223 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenues was $591 and $507 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Software development costs

Software development costs:  We capitalize software developed for internal use and are amortizing such costs over their estimated useful lives of three years.  Costs capitalized were $135 and $191 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Amortization expense on software development costs was $150 and $217 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Estimated amortization expenses are $124, $79 and $17 for fiscal years 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Impairment of long-lived assets: We evaluate long-lived assets such as property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  We assess impairment based on the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including cash flows from disposition.  Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss at that time.  We measure an impairment loss by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value (estimated discounted future cash flows or appraisal of assets) of the long-lived assets.  We recognized no impairment charges during fiscal years 2012 and 2011 related to long-lived assets.

Restricted cash

Restricted cash:  Restricted cash consisted of a reserve required by our bankcard processor to cover chargebacks, adjustments, fees and other charges that may be due from us.  On December 31, 2012, our bankcard processor informed us that it was exercising its rights under the merchant contract and requiring a $500 reserve.  The reserve will accumulate daily by garnishing 10% of our daily collections.

Goodwill

Goodwill:  We test goodwill annually for impairment.  Additionally, goodwill is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of an entity below its carrying value. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, market values and projections regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors are used to determine the fair value of the respective assets.  If these estimates or related projections change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.  We allocate goodwill to our two reporting segments, retail and recycling.  We compare the fair value of each reporting segment to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment.  If the fair value of a reporting segment is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its goodwill.  To determine the fair value of our reporting segments, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow) corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate.  The factor most sensitive to change with respect to the discounted cash flow analyses is the estimated future cash flows of each reporting segment, which is, in turn, sensitive to the estimates of future revenue growth and margins for these businesses.  If actual revenue growth and/or margins are lower than expectations, the impairment test results could differ.  Fair value for goodwill is determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate.  During the fourth quarter of 2012, AAP determined that indicators of impairment existed that made it more-likely-than-not that the carrying value of the reporting entity exceeded its fair value. The future cash flows generated by AAP are significantly below the original investment model due to a higher level of debt service, delays and uncertainty in monetizing CFCs and declining average AMM metal prices. As a result of the goodwill impairment test, AAP recorded a $1,082 impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2012. We did not have any impairment charges to our goodwill for fiscal year 2011.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill from January 1, 2011, until December 29, 2012, are as follows:

	Recycling Segment
Balance as of January 1, 2011	$	1,120
Impairment charge	—
Balance as of December 31, 2011	1,120
Impairment charge	(1,082		)
Balance as of December 29, 2012	$	38

Accounting for leases

Accounting for leases:  We conduct the majority of our retail and recycling operations from leased facilities.  The majority of our leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance in addition to rent.  The terms of our lease agreements typically range from five totenyears.  Most of the leases contain renewal and escalation clauses, and certain store leases require contingent rents based on factors such as revenue.  For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the initial lease term.  We record any difference between straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of accrued rent in accrued expenses.  Cash or lease incentives (tenant allowances) received upon entering into certain store leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term.

Product warranty

Product warranty:  We provide a warranty for the replacement or repair of certain defective units.  Our standard warranty policy requires us to repair or replace certain defective units at no cost to our customers.  We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our warranty and record an accrual in the amount of such costs at the time we recognize product revenue.  Factors that affect our warranty accrual for covered units include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims on these units, and the cost of such claims.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accrual and adjust the amounts as necessary.

Changes in our warranty accrual, included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets, for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Beginning Balance	$	71		$	36
Standard accrual based on units sold	43			97
Actual costs incurred	(16		)	(16		)
Periodic accrual adjustments	(51		)	(46		)
Ending Balance	$	47		$	71

Income Taxes

Income taxes:  We account for income taxes under the liability method.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and tax operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled.  We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amounts we believe to be realizable.

Share-based compensation

Share-based compensation:  We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for all share-based awards granted.  We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of awards at the grant date.  We calculate the expected volatility for stock options and awards using historical volatility.  We estimate a 0%-5% forfeiture rate for stock options issued to employees and Board of Directors members, but will continue to review these estimates in future periods.  The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock options are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected life represents the period that the stock option awards are expected to be outstanding.  The expected dividend yield is zero as we have not paid or declared any cash dividends on our Common Stock.  Based on these valuations, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $153 and $428 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We estimate that share-based compensation expense for fiscal year 2013 will be approximately $4 based on the value of options outstanding as of December 29, 2012.  This estimate does not include any expense for additional options that may be granted and vest during 2013.

Comprehensive Income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss):  Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity.  Our other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue recognition:  We recognize revenue from appliance sales in the period the consumer purchases and pays for the appliance, net of an allowance for estimated returns.  We recognize revenue from appliance recycling when we collect and process a unit.  We recognize byproduct revenue upon shipment.  We recognize revenue on extended warranties with retained service obligations on a straight-line basis over the period of the warranty.  On extended warranty arrangements that we sell but others service for a fixed portion of the warranty sales price, we recognize revenue for the net amount retained at the time of sale of the extended warranty to the consumer.  As a result of our recycling processes, we are able to produce carbon offsets from the destruction of ozone-depleting refrigerants.  We record revenue from the sale of carbon offsets in the period when the following requirements have all been met: (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (ii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, (iii) title, ownership and risk of loss associated with the credits have been transferred to the customer, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.  We include shipping and handling charges to customers in revenue, which are recognized in the period the consumer purchases and pays for delivery.  Shipping and handling costs that we incur are included in cost of revenues.

Taxes collected from customers

Taxes collected from customers: We account for taxes collected from customers on a net basis.

Advertising expense

Advertising expense:  Our policy is to expense advertising costs as incurred.  Advertising expense was $2,238 and $2,680 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Basic and diluted income per common share

Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share:  Basic income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued.  Potentially dilutive shares of Common Stock include unexercised stock options and warrants.  Basic per share amounts are computed, generally, by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts assume the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential Common Stock instruments unless their effect is anti-dilutive, thereby reducing the loss or increasing the income per common share.  In calculating diluted weighted average shares and per share amounts, we included stock options with exercise prices below average market prices, for the respective fiscal years in which they were dilutive, using the Treasury stock method.  We calculated the number of additional shares by assuming the outstanding stock options were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire Common Stock at the average market price during the year.  For fiscal year 2012, we excluded 795 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants is anti-dilutive due to the net loss incurred.  For fiscal year 2011, we excluded 235 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants is anti-dilutive.

A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share is as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29,			December 31,
	2012			2011
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(3,852	)	$	4,461
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	5,551			5,497
Employee stock options	—			112
Stock warrants	—			212
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	5,551			5,821
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(0.69	)	$	0.81
Diluted	$	(0.69	)	$	0.77

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Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Segment Information

We operate within targeted markets through two reportable segments: retail and recycling.  The retail segment is comprised of income generated through our ApplianceSmart stores, which includes appliance sales and byproduct revenues from collected appliances.  The recycling segment includes all fees charged and costs incurred for collecting, recycling and installing appliances for utilities and other customers and includes byproduct revenue, which is primarily generated through the recycling of appliances.  The nature of products, services and customers for both segments varies significantly.  As such, the segments are managed separately.  Our Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”).  The CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based on sales and income from operations of each segment.  Income from operations represents revenues less cost of revenues and operating expenses, including certain allocated selling, general and administrative costs.  There are no inter-segment sales or transfers.

The following tables present our segment information for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Revenues:
Retail	$	72,360		$	74,478
Recycling	41,953			52,191
Total revenues	$	114,313		$	126,669
Operating income (loss):
Retail	$	(2,645	)	$	(241	)
Recycling	(241		)	6,926
Unallocated corporate costs	(336		)	559
Total operating income (loss)	$	(3,222	)	$	7,244
Assets:
Retail	$	18,476		$	20,100
Recycling	18,658			20,537
Corporate assets not allocable	4,670			6,172
Total assets	$	41,804		$	46,809
Cash capital expenditures:
Retail	$	228		$	181
Recycling	332			1,335
Corporate	258			241
Total cash capital expenditures	$	818		$	1,757
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Retail	$	226		$	331
Recycling	609			524
Corporate	386			448
Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	1,221		$	1,303
Interest expense:
Retail	$	377		$	299
Recycling	468			589
Corporate	298			250
Total interest expense	$	1,143		$	1,138

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Operating leases: We lease the majority of our retail stores and recycling centers under noncancelable operating leases.  The leases typically require the payment of taxes, maintenance, utilities and insurance.

Minimum future rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 29, 2012, are as follows:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	5,171	$	385	$	5,556
2014	4,355		400		4,755
2015	3,100		404		3,504
2016	2,246		425		2,671
2017	1,903		427		2,330
Thereafter	2,188		1,334		3,522
	$	18,963	$	3,375	$	22,338

Rent expense for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 was $5,313 and $4,804, respectively. We have an agreement to receive future sublease payments of $634 through March 2016.

Contracts:  We have entered into material contracts with three appliance manufacturers.  Under the agreements there are no minimum purchase commitments; however, we have agreed to indemnify the manufacturers for certain claims, allegations or losses with respect to appliances we sell.

Litigation: We are party from time to time to ordinary course disputes that we do not believe to be material or have merit.  We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these ordinary course disputes.

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Benefit Contribution Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Benefit Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Employer contribution per dollar	$ 0.10
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	5.00%
Employer contribution safe habor matching percent	4.00%
Recognized expenses for contributions	$ 51,000	$ 42,000

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Line of Credit

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

On January 24, 2011, we entered into a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, as amended, (“Revolving Credit Agreement”) with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) that provides us with a $15,000 revolving line of credit.  See Note 9 for further discussion regarding the Term Loan entered into with PNC.  The Revolving Credit Agreement had a stated maturity date of January 24, 2014, if not renewed.  The Revolving Credit Agreement includes a lockbox agreement and a subjective acceleration clause and, as a result, we have classified the revolving line of credit as a current liability.  The Revolving Credit Agreement is collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, and PNC is also secured by an inventory repurchase agreement with Whirlpool Corporation for Whirlpool purchases only.  We also issued a $750 letter of credit in favor of Whirlpool Corporation.  The Revolving Credit Agreement requires that we meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis.  The Revolving Credit Agreement limits investments we can purchase, the amount of other debt and leases we can incur, the amount of loans we can issue to our affiliates and the amount we can spend on fixed assets along with prohibiting the payment of dividends.  As of December 29, 2012, we were not in compliance with all the covenants of the Revolving Credit Agreement and received a notice of default from PNC.  See Note 15 for further discussion regarding the notice of default and subsequent amendment to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, including waiver of the events of default. We were in compliance with all the covenants of the Revolving Credit agreement as of December 31, 2011. The interest rate on the revolving line of credit was PNC Base Rate plus 1.75%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 2.75%.  The PNC Base Rate shall mean, for any day, a fluctuating per annum rate of interest equal to the highest of (i) the interest rate per annum announced from time to time by PNC at its prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Open Rate plus ½ of 1%, and (iii) the  one-month LIBOR rate plus 100 basis points (1%).  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $10,559 and $10,685, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.07% and 3.72%, respectively, which included both PNC LIBOR Rate and PNC Base Rate loans.  The amount of revolving borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement is based on a formula using accounts receivable and inventories.  We may not have access to the full $15,000 revolving line of credit due to the formula using accounts receivable and inventories, the amount of the letter of credit issued in favor of Whirlpool Corporation and the amount of outstanding loans between PNC and our AAP joint venture.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $2,531 and $3,505, respectively.

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Borrowings

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Borrowings

Borrowings

Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
PNC term loan	2,040		2,295
Susquehanna term loans	4,154		4,537
2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	411		440
10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, due December 2014	280		400
Capital leases and other financing obligations	427		568
	7,312		8,240
Less current maturities	955		989
	$	6,357	$	7,251

On January 24, 2011, we entered into a $2,550 Term Loan (“Term Loan”) with PNC Bank to finance the mortgage on our California facility.  The Term Loan is payable as follows, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default or termination of the Revolving Credit Agreement: 119 consecutive monthly principal payments of $21 plus interest commencing on February 1, 2011, and continuing on the first day of each month thereafter followed by a 120th payment of all unpaid principal, interest and fees on February 1, 2021.  If the Revolving Credit Agreement is not renewed a balloon payment of $1,275 in principal plus interest and additional fees will be due on January 24, 2016. The Term Loan is collateralized with our California facility located in Compton, California.  The Term Loan interest rate was PNC Base Rate plus 2.25%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 3.25%.  As of both December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the interest rate was 5.50%. On October 23, 2012, we received a letter from PNC (“default notice”) notifying us that we had failed to comply with certain financial covenants under the Term Loan. See Note 15 for further discussion regarding the notice of default and subsequent amendment to the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, including waiver of the events of default.

On March 10, 2011, ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC entered into three separate commercial term loans (“Term Loans”) with Susquehanna Bank, pursuant to the guidelines of the U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Program.  The total amount of the Term Loans is $4,750, split into three separate loans for $2,100; $1,400; and $1,250.  The Term Loans mature in ten years and bear an interest rate of Prime plus 2.75%.  As of both December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the interest rate was 6.00%.  The total monthly interest and principal payments are $54 and began on July 1, 2011.  Borrowings under the Term Loans are secured by substantially all of the assets of AAP along with liens on the business assets and certain personal assets of the owners of 4301 Operations, LLC.  We are a guarantor of the Term Loans along with 4301 Operations, LLC and its owners.

The future annual maturities of borrowings are as follows:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	320	$	635	$	955
2014	316		679		995
2015	311		538		849
2016	1,293		547		1,840
2017	—		564		564
Thereafter	—		2,109		2,109
	$	2,240	$	5,072	$	7,312

Capital leases and other financing obligations:  We acquire certain equipment under capital leases and other financing obligations.  The cost of equipment was approximately $1,969 and $1,940 at December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Accumulated amortization at December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, was approximately $1,574 and $1,458, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization expense for equipment under capital leases and other financing obligations is included in cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses.

The following schedule by fiscal year is the approximate remaining minimum payments required under the capital leases and other financing obligations, together with the present value at December 29, 2012:

	ARCA		AAP		Total
2013	$	82	$	76	$	158
2014	72		76		148
2015	61		51		112
2016	18		30		48
2017	—		15		15
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	233		248		481
Less amount representing interest	33		21		54
Present value of minimum payments	200		227		427
Less current portion	65		66		131
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	$	135	$	161	$	296

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

For 2012, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $83.  The tax provision recorded in 2012 is primarily related to the tax effect of the cumulative undistributed earnings from our Canadian subsidiary as it was determined that our investment in Canada is no longer permanent in duration. In 2012, we recognized a net deferred tax liability of $114 consisting of a deferred liability of $994 for undistributed earnings and a deferred tax assets of $880 for foreign tax credits related to the undistributed earnings. In 2012, we recorded a valuation allowance of $1,154 primarily against the NOLs generated during the year as it was determined to be more-likely-than-not that we will not recognize the benefit of the net loss incurred in 2012.

For 2011, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $1,367. At January 1, 2011, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of their realization. During the second quarter of 2011, we concluded, based on the assessment of all available evidence, including previous three-year cumulative income before infrequent and unusual items, a history of generating income before taxes for six consecutive quarters and estimates of future profitability, that it was more-likely-than-not that we would be able to realize a portion of our deferred tax assets in the future and recorded a $917 non-cash reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  During 2011, we also adjusted our deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance by $219 primarily to state our remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards at the proper amounts.  This adjustment had no material impact on our recorded income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2011.  In 2011, we recorded $2,025 and $259 tax provisions related to taxable income from our U.S. and Canadian operations, respectively, which were partially offset by the non-cash reversal of a portion of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  In 2011, we did not recognize a deferred tax liability related to cumulative undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiary because the earnings were determined to be permanent in duration. During 2011, we recognized $53 of windfall tax benefits from share-based compensation, which was recorded to Common Stock on the consolidated balance sheets.

The provision for income taxes for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Current tax expense:
Federal	$	(248	)	$	266
State	26			140
Foreign	(62		)	257
Current tax expense	$	(284	)	$	663
Deferred tax expense — domestic	365			702
Deferred tax expense — foreign	2			2
Provision for income taxes	$	83		$	1,367

A reconciliation of our provision for income taxes with the federal statutory tax rate for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 is shown below:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Income tax expense at statutory rate	$	(1,282	)	$	1,981
State tax expense, net of federal tax effect	(130		)	303
Permanent differences	194			360
Change in valuation allowance	1,154			(15		)
Recognition of tax effect for the cumulative undistributed earnings from Canada	114			—
Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance	—			(917		)
Adjustment of deferred tax assets	58			—
Utilization of foreign tax credit	—			(256		)
Foreign income tax payable true-up	(57		)	—
Foreign rate differential	—			(47		)
Other	32			(42		)
	$	83		$	1,367

Income before provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interest was derived from the following sources for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 as shown below:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
United States	$	(4,356	)	$	5,279
Canada	(17		)	810
	$	(4,373	)	$	6,089

The components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are as follows:

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	689		$	290
Federal and state tax credits	464			—
Reserves	414			191
Accrued expenses	254			203
Share-based compensation	286			227
Deferred gain	331			521
Investments	—			103
Property and equipment	25			201
Total deferred tax assets	2,463			1,736
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	(146		)	(69		)
Property and equipment	(50		)	(262		)
Investments	(1,124		)	(1,049		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,320		)	(1,380		)
Valuation allowance	(2,185		)	(1,031		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(1,042	)	$	(675	)

The deferred tax amounts have been classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:

	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Current assets	$	—		$	173
Non-current assets	25			27
Current liabilities	(146		)	—
Non-current liabilities	(921		)	(875		)
	$	(1,042	)	$	(675	)

Future utilization of net operating loss (“NOL”) and tax credit carryforwards is subject to certain limitations under provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.  This section relates to a 50 percent change in control over a three-year period.  We believe that the issuance of Common Stock during 1999 resulted in an “ownership change” under Section 382.  Accordingly, our ability to use NOL and tax credit carryforwards generated prior to February 1999 is limited to approximately $56 per year.

At December 29, 2012, we had federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $2,311 ($1,090 of which is subject to IRC section 382 limitations), alternative minimum tax carryforwards of $322 and a foreign tax credit carryforward of $256.  We also had state NOL carryforwards of $6,837 ($713 of which is subject to IRC section 382 limitations).  The NOL carryforwards are available to offset future taxable income or reduce taxes payable through 2029.  These loss carryforwards began expiring in 2011.  We previously wrote off NOLs related to IRC section 382 limits against the valuation allowance.  At December 29, 2012, we had $1,221 of federal NOL carryforwards not subject to IRC section 382 limitations that begin expiring in 2018.

We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position.  For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we did not have any material uncertain tax positions.

It is our practice to recognize interest related to income tax matters as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.  As of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, we had an immaterial amount of accrued interest and penalties.

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, foreign jurisdictions and various state jurisdictions.  Tax regulations from each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, foreign, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2009.  We are not currently under examination by any taxing jurisdiction.

We had no significant unrecognized tax benefits as of December 29, 2012, that would reasonably be expected to affect our effective tax rate during the next twelve months.

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Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012 W state	Dec. 31, 2011 W
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
Interest in a joint venture (as a percent)		50.00%
Number of states generating recyclable appliances		12
Number of weeks reflected in operating results		52	52
Term of contractual agreement between GE and the entity	6 years
4301
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
Interest in a joint venture (as a percent)	50.00%

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Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2011 quarter	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Undistributed foreign earnings		$ 994
Tax credit carryforwards, foreign		880
Number of previous periods of cumulative income before infrequent and unusual items	3 years
Number of consecutive quarters with income before taxes	6
Non-cash reversal of deferred tax assets	917	0	917
Decrease in valuation allowance			219
Tax benefits from share-based compensation recorded to Common Stock			53
Provision for income taxes
Federal		(248)	266
State		26	140
Foreign		(62)	257
Current tax expense		(284)	663
Deferred tax expense — domestic		365	702
Deferred tax expense — foreign		2	2
Provision for income taxes		83	1,367
Reconciliation of provision for income taxes with federal statutory rate
Income tax expense at statutory rate		(1,282)	1,981
State tax expense, net of federal tax effect		(130)	303
Permanent differences		194	360
Change in valuation allowance		1,154	(15)
Recognition of tax effect for the cumulative undistributed earnings from Canada		114	0
Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance		0	(917)
Adjustment of deferred tax assets		58	0
Utilization of foreign tax credit		0	(256)
Foreign income tax payable true-up		(57)	0
Foreign rate differential		0	(47)
Other		32	(42)
Provision for income taxes at effective tax rate		83	1,367
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
United States		(4,356)	5,279
Canada		(17)	810
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest		(4,373)	6,089
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards		689	290
Federal and state tax credits		464	0
Reserves		414	191
Accrued expenses		254	203
Share-based compensation		286	227
Deferred gain		331	521
Investments		0	103
Property and equipment		25	201
Total deferred tax assets		2,463	1,736
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Investments		(1,124)	(1,049)
Prepaid expenses		(146)	(69)
Property and equipment		(50)	(262)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(1,320)	(1,380)
Valuation allowance		(2,185)	(1,031)
Net deferred tax liabilities		(1,042)	(675)
Percentage of likelihood of realization that the tax position must exceed in order for the amount to be recognized		50.00%
US
Provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes		2,025
Canada
Provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes		$ 259

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Liquidity and Credit Agreement

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Liquidity and Capital Resources [Abstract]

Liquidity and Credit Agreement

Liquidity and Credit Agreement

For the year ended December 29, 2012, we incurred a net loss attributable to controlling interests of $3,852 compared with generating a net income attributable to controlling interest of $4,461 for the year ended December 31, 2011. The $8,313 decline in our operating results had a direct impact on our covenant compliance and liquidity.

The following table illustrates changes in key liquidity measurements for the years ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

	2012		2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,174	$	4,401
Working capital	7,631		11,445
Available borrowing under our line of credit	2,531		3,505

As of September 29, 2012, and December 29, 2012, we were not in compliance with the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and the limitation on loans to affiliates under the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with PNC.

• The Credit Agreement requires that we meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis. The fixed charge coverage ratio for the twelve months ended September 29, 2012, and December 29, 2012, was -1.55 to 1.00, and -2.06 to 1.00, respectively. The fixed charge coverage ratio for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, was 10.10 to 1.00.

• The Credit Agreement provides that the outstanding balance of loans from us to AAP will not exceed specified amounts ($800 until June 30, 2012, $550 from July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012, and $300 thereafter). The outstanding balance of loans to AAP exceeded the permitted amount as of July 27, 2012 and at certain dates thereafter. As of December 29, 2012, and March 20, 2013, the outstanding balance of such loans were $749 and $669, respectively.

These covenant violations are “events of default” under the Credit Agreement and entitle PNC to certain remedies, including but not limited to increasing the interest rate on our obligations under the Credit Agreement by two percentage points, retroactive to the date the default first occurred (July 27, 2012), limiting our available borrowings, or declaring the entire amount of our obligations immediately due and payable. On October 23, 2012, we received a letter from PNC (“default notice”) notifying us that we had failed to comply with the covenant regarding loans to AAP and that PNC was reserving all rights and remedies available to it under the Credit Agreement or otherwise, but PNC did not increase the interest rate or accelerate the obligations.

On March 14, 2013, we executed the third amendment to our Credit Agreement with PNC that extended the agreement two additional years until January 24, 2016, waived our prior “events of default,” reset our financial covenants and increased our interest rate, among other things. The amended terms under the Credit Agreement are as follows:

• We must meet monthly minimum EBITDA requirements set forth in the amendment through 2013.

• The affiliate loan balance must be reduced by $40 per month in 2013 and the affiliate loan balance will be capped at $300 on January 25, 2014, and thereafter.

• Starting on December 28, 2013, we must meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 for the nine months then ended and on a trailing twelve-month basis beginning with the period ending March 30, 2014, and each quarter thereafter.

• The interest rate spread on our Revolving Loan and Term Loan increased 100 basis points for both PNC Base Rate loans and PNC LIBOR Rate loans. We are not eligible to borrow under PNC LIBOR Rate loans until certain Interest Rate Reduction conditions are met as set forth in the amendment. If these Interest Rate Reduction conditions are met, we will also be able to remove the 100 basis point increase for both PNC Base Rate loans and PNC LIBOR Rate loans. The earliest the Interest Rate Reduction conditions could be met is January 31, 2014.

• A prepayment penalty will be assessed at 3% during the first year of the third amendment to our Credit Agreement, 2% during the second year and 1% during the third year.

We have taken decisive steps to improve our operational execution and profitability in 2013. Our strategic initiatives span all aspects of our business, including our retail stores, regional recycling centers, corporate office and AAP joint venture. We have engaged Alliance Management to assist us with strategy development and execution through the first half of 2013. We are executing several restructuring activities that include lease terminations, job eliminations and contract renegotiations. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we terminated two leases and recorded a $174 lease termination charge. The leases expire in October 2013 and January 2019. The annualized savings from the two lease terminations is approximately $407. During the first quarter of 2013, we completed a corporate staff restructuring and job eliminations that resulted in annualized savings of approximately $749 and recorded a severance liability of $106. Additionally, we are executing several other cost reduction initiatives throughout 2013.

We anticipate that our existing capital resources and operating plan for 2013, including the restructuring activities mentioned above, will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. There can be no assurances that our strategies and operational execution will not result in another “event of default” with our lender that may limit our available borrowings or accelerate the obligations. There is also no assurance that we will have access to capital should PNC accelerate our obligations in the “event of default” within the next twelve months.

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Other Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]

Schedule of other assets

Other assets as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Deposits	376		$	400
Recycling contract, net	259		339
Deferred financing costs, net	279		476
Patent costs	21		17
	$	935	1,232

Schedule of expected recycling contract amortization expense

Estimated amortization expense over the next four years, the remaining life, of our recycling contract is as follows:

2013	$	80
2014	80
2015	80
2016	19

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Borrowings (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012
Future Annual Maturities of borrowings
2013	$ 955
2014	995
2015	849
2016	1,840
2017	564
Thereafter	2,109
Long-term Debt	7,312
Remaining minimum payments required under the capital lease together with the present value
2013	158
2014	148
2015	112
2016	48
2017	15
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	481
Less amount representing interest	54
Present value of minimum payments	427
Less current portion	131
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	296
ARCA
Future Annual Maturities of borrowings
2013	320
2014	316
2015	311
2016	1,293
2017	0
Thereafter	0
Long-term Debt	2,240
Remaining minimum payments required under the capital lease together with the present value
2013	82
2014	72
2015	61
2016	18
2017	0
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	233
Less amount representing interest	33
Present value of minimum payments	200
Less current portion	65
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	135
AAP
Future Annual Maturities of borrowings
2013	635
2014	679
2015	538
2016	547
Long-term Debt	5,072
Remaining minimum payments required under the capital lease together with the present value
2013	76
2014	76
2015	51
2016	30
2017	15
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	248
Less amount representing interest	21
Present value of minimum payments	227
Less current portion	66
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	$ 161

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Estimated forfeiture rate, minimum (as a percent)	0.00%
Estimated forfeiture rate, maximum (as a percent)	5.00%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%
Share-based compensation expense recognized		$ 153	$ 428
Estimated share-based compensation expenses in 2013		$ 4

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Jan. 01, 2011	$ 12,147	$ 19,740	$ (274)	$ (9,258)	$ 1,939
Balance, Common Stock in Shares at Jan. 01, 2011		5,493
Net income (loss)	4,722			4,461	261
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(87)		(87)
Issuance of Common Stock (in Shares)		34
Issuance of Common Stock	117	117
Share-based compensation	428	428
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation	53	53
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Dec. 31, 2011	17,380	20,338	(361)	(4,797)	2,200
Balance, Common Stock in Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	5,527	5,527
Net income (loss)	(4,456)			(3,852)	(604)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	71		71
Issuance of Common Stock (in Shares)		29
Issuance of Common Stock	86	86
Share-based compensation	153	153
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Dec. 29, 2012	$ 13,234	$ 20,577	$ (290)	$ (8,649)	$ 1,596
Balance, Common Stock in Shares at Dec. 29, 2012	5,556	5,556

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Variable Interest Entity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Variable Interest Entity

Variable Interest Entity

Variable Interest Entity

The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity and because we have the ability to significantly influence the economic performance of the entity through our contractual agreement with GE.  The financial position and results of operations for AAP are reported in our recycling segment.

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of AAP as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Assets
Current assets	$	787	$	1,134
Property and equipment, net	9,109		9,419
Goodwill	—		1,082
Other assets	149		136
Total assets	$	10,045	$	11,771
Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	826	$	858
Accrued expenses	204		250
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	635		593
Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	4,437		5,022
Other liabilities (a)	749		647
Total liabilities	$	6,851	$	7,370

(a) Other liabilities represent outstanding loans from ARCA and are eliminated in consolidation.

The following table summarizes the operating results of AAP for fiscal years 2012 and 2011:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 29, 2012			December 31, 2011
Revenues	$	11,241		$	11,337
Gross profit	584			1,373
Operating income (loss) (b)	(847		)	869

(b) The operating loss reported in fiscal 2012 includes a $1,082 goodwill impairment charge.

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Major Customers and Suppliers (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012 customers	Dec. 31, 2011 customers
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Trade Receivable
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers representing more than 10% of total receivables	4	5
Percentage of receivables representing 10% of total trade receivables	54.00%	79.00%
Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of suppliers concentration risk	3

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Accrued Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Schedule of accrued expenses

Accrued expenses as of December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consist of the following:

	December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Compensation and benefits	$	963	$	1,023
Accrued rebate and incentive checks	563		728
Accrued rent	1,383		1,336
Warranty expense	47		71
Accrued payables	307		408
Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	487		487
Deferred revenue	157		96
Other	403		304
	$	4,310	$	4,453

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 1,120	$ 1,120
Impairment charge	(1,082)	0
Goodwill	$ 38	$ 1,120

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Benefit Contribution Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2012

Benefit Contribution Plan [Abstract]

Benefit Contribution Plan

Benefit Contribution Plan

We have a defined contribution salary deferral plan (401(k) plan) covering substantially all employees under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  We contribute an amount equal to 10 cents for each dollar contributed by each employee up to a maximum of 5% of each employee’s compensation.  AAP also has a 401(k) plan which includes a safe harbor matching contribution of 4% of the employee’s contribution.  We recognized expense for contributions to the plans of $51 and $42 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.