Additional Recycle Resources

Additional resources are available for residents and businesses of the greater Big Rapid area, including safe disposal and/or recycling of items. 

Where can I take…

There are some materials Mecosta Recycles can’t take, but other places do. Here’s a list of resources.

Household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, etc.)

  • Big Rapids City Hall Lobby; 226 N Michigan Ave, Big Rapids

Update! Food grade color glass now accepted at Mecosta Recycles!

  • Mecosta Recycles can now accept color glass! The following organizations are still available to you as well.
  • Recycles of Osceola County; 531 East Lincoln Ave, Reed City
  • Morton Township Recycling Center; 8560 Midstate Drive, Mecosta

Plastics #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7

  • Morton Township Recycling Center; 8560 Midstate Drive, Mecosta
  • Mecosta Recycles can take #1 and #2

Plastic Shopping Bags

  • Morton Township Recycling Center; 8560 Midstate Drive, Mecosta
  • Lowe’s; 21555 Perry Ave, Big Rapids
  • Meijer; 15400 Waldron Way, Big Rapids
  • Walmart; 221400 Perry Ave, Big Rapids

Florescent Light Bulbs

  • Lowe’s; 21555 Perry Ave, Big Rapids

Christmas Lights

  • Lowe’s; 21555 Perry Ave, Big Rapids

Used Motor Oil

  • We recommend calling oil change or car repair businesses, as some may take it.

Notice Regarding Batteries: Mecosta Recycles NO LONGER ACCEPTS BATTERIES.

This decision was made because we were receiving too many batteries that we were unable to recycle and the cost of disposing of them was prohibitive to continuing our battery recycling program.

We will continue to monitor legislation that would increase access to battery recycling.

In the meantime, please consider the following resources:

  • Dry cell batteries (ie AA, C, D) can be dropped off at Big Rapids City Hall.
  • Lead Acid (ie automotive): Almost any retailer that sells lead-acid batteries collects used batteries for recycling, as required by the state.
  • Lithium batteries from cell phones or laptops are accepted by Fair Salvage: https://fairsalvage.com/
  • Home improvement stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, often have a battery drop off. Please contact the store ahead of time to confirm what types they are able to recycle.
  • Your township may host a clean up event. You can find your township’s website at https://michigantownships.org/find-a-township/
  • For more information, visit https://recyclemichigan.org/batteries/

Please check out the following websites for more information. Also consider checking your township’s website to get information about annual or spring clean up days.

Big Rapids – Michigan (cityofbr.org) – City of Big Rapids Recycling

Reed City – Garbage and Recycling – Reed City Recycling

Mecosta/Osceola Lake Conservation District information about events for Household Hazardous Waste Disposal and Tires.

Morton Township Recycling: https://mortontownship.org/recycling