During our first year of operations, MARS has evolved into an efficient refuse and recycling collection service. MARS offers refuse collection to Beatrice, rural customers, and many surrounding villages. We also offer yard waste removal, recycling, roll-offs, and special pickup services.
It’s important to us that you have the information you need regarding MARS services. I thought I’d take a minute to remind you of the ways you can be notified about MARS, and about collection schedule changes due to a holiday or other event.
- Direct notifications. In December of 2021, the City launched a mass notification system to send community alerts, like garbage schedule notifications, directly to you by text message, phone call, and/or email, based on your preferences. To sign up, visit www.beatrice.ne.gov and click on the “Receive Notifications” button on the homepage.
- The City’s website. All regular and holiday garbage collection schedules are regularly updated on the City’s website. Alerts are posted at the top of the homepage, on the calendar (located at the bottom of the homepage), and on the Sanitation Department’s webpage.
- Social media. Follow City of Beatrice, Nebraska – Municipal Government on Facebook.
- Channel 181. Besides airing City Council meetings, School Board meetings, and local church services, this channel also features general announcements, community events, and more. If you don’t have cable TV, you can also watch online at the live stream.
One of the biggest changes in MARS’ first year of operations is how we run the recycling program. MARS offers a free, self-service drop-off site for Beatrice households. The collection site is located at 3rd and Ella Street, just west of the City Auditorium. What items can you recycle?
- Cans (aluminum, steel, and tin), empty and clean
- Plastic Containers, empty and clean
- Cartons (food and beverage cartons, including milk, juice, and broth containers), clean and dry
- Newspapers, clean and dry
- Paper (paper bags, mail, magazines, catalogs, telephone books, paper egg cartons), clean and dry
- Cardboard (corrugated cardboard) clean and dry. Remove all packing material (no styrofoam). Flatten all cardboard to help save space.
The drop-off site has two recycling trailers for mixed dry recyclables and 2 roll-off containers for corrugated cardboard only.
MARS also offers weekly residential curbside recycling. If you choose this additional service, the fee will be added to your BPW utility bill. Initially, our customers were provided with small recycling totes, which were acquired from the previous sanitation company. Recently, MARS has purchased larger, 35-gallon rolling carts for curbside recycling customers. If you are a current curbside recycling customer wanting a larger container, please call our office at (402) 228-5211, option 4 to upgrade at no charge. You may use any personal container for curbside recycling, as long as it’s clearly marked for recycling collection drivers to identify.
MARS will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Jason Moore
Sanitation Superintendent