Recycling Centers in Backus, MN
Find drop-off recycling locations in Backus, Minnesota. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
Find recycling drop-off locations in Backus, Minnesota. This directory lists 3 facilities serving the Backus area, with details on hours and contact information to help you plan your visit.
Recycling in Backus: A Local Guide
Backus is a small community on MN-371 in southern Cass County, and residents here have three distinct options for recycling and waste disposal—each serving a different purpose. Understanding which facility fits your needs will save you a trip.
For household recyclables, bulk solid waste, and general county recycling programs, the Cass County Transfer Station at 1705 MN-371 is the primary public resource. As a county-operated site, it is the right first call (218-587-3500) for questions about what Cass County accepts at the Backus drop-off, current hours, and whether a resident sticker or fee applies. The county's network of transfer stations serves residents across this largely rural region, and materials collected here are consolidated and shipped to regional processors.
If you have scrap metal—old appliances, iron pipe, aluminum, copper, a junked vehicle—Pine River Iron & Metal at 1836 MN-371 is a cash-paying scrap buyer operating Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Run by Crow Wing Recycling out of Brainerd, they buy ferrous and non-ferrous metals and do not charge you to drop off qualifying loads. The yard is closed on weekends.
Grinning Bear Roll-Off at 2550 8th St SW rounds out the local options as a private roll-off container rental and drop-off site. They accept construction and demolition debris, scrap metal, appliances, mattresses, furniture, and bagged garbage ($5 per 30-gallon bag), but do not take bottles, cans, paper, treated lumber, fiberglass, or Styrofoam. Weekday hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday visits require an appointment. For nearby communities, recycling options are also available in Pine River and Brainerd. The Minnesota recycling hub has statewide resources including e-waste events and HHW collection days.
All Recycling Centers in Backus
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Backus
Where can I recycle bottles, cans, and paper in Backus, MN?
The Cass County Transfer Station at 1705 MN-371 is the public facility for household recyclables. Call 218-587-3500 or visit the Cass County website to confirm current hours and the accepted materials list. Grinning Bear Roll-Off and Pine River Iron & Metal do not accept paper, glass, or plastic containers.
How do I dispose of old license plates in Minnesota?
Minnesota license plates can be returned to any Deputy Registrar (driver's license office) in the state at no charge when you cancel a vehicle registration. They can also be recycled as scrap metal at a facility like Pine River Iron & Metal since they are steel. Check with the Minnesota DVS (drive.mn.gov) for the nearest return location.
Can I bring a junk car or scrap metal to Backus for cash?
Yes. Pine River Iron & Metal at 1836 MN-371 buys ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals from the public, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Payment depends on metal type, weight, and current market rates. Call 218-587-2700 before arriving.
What is the current recycling rate in Minnesota?
Minnesota has historically targeted a 75% recycling and recovery rate under its Waste Management Act. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (pca.state.mn.us) publishes annual solid waste reports with current statewide recycling data. Locally, Cass County runs the Backus Transfer Station as part of its solid waste infrastructure to help residents meet those goals.