FAQs

Automated collection is a system where waste carts are emptied using a mechanical arm on the collection vehicle, instead of workers lifting and emptying garbage containers by hand. 

Study findings indicate that the main advantages of the automated collection system compared with the manual collection system are: provides safe and more attractive neighborhoods, creates a safe and healthy work environment for employees, promotes recycling, and provides opportunities for cost savings.

The primary factor in moving to an automated cart system is employee safety. Garbage collection is one of the most dangerous professions in the country. The automated collection system will decrease the strain on the employee’s body by allowing the trash truck to do the heavy lifting.

Due to the design of the waste carts, residents will find that they have less litter, odor, and pest problems because the lids always remain on the container. Also, waste carts are convenient, easy to roll, and durable.

MARS provides one 96-gallon rolling waste cart to Beatrice residential customers at no charge. All waste carts are the property of MARS.

National surveys indicate that a 96-gallon waste cart is adequate for the average home of four (4) people. Each waste cart will hold the equivalent of three (3) normal trash cans. It is important that you place all household garbage inside the container with the lid closed so that the operator can utilize the mechanical arm to lift the container and empty it. If you have an unusual amount of garbage that does not fit in the container, please contact MARS to schedule a special pickup.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the current recycling options available to them to reduce the amount of garbage they need to place at the curb. The more you recycle, the less garbage is produced.

An additional waste cart can be made available for large families, but the City encourages recycling before adding waste carts. All containers remain the property of the City and are assigned to your residence by serial number. Please call MARS at (402) 228-5211 to request a second waste cart if necessary and review associated costs.

To remain as efficient as possible, the truck driver does not exit the vehicle; therefore, proper placement of the waste carts is essential.

Find directions for the correct placement of your automated waste cart here.

Waste carts may be stored in the garage, carport, or shed. Waste Carts may also be stored outdoors to the side or rear of the household, but may not be stored in the front yard.

Waste carts may be placed at the curb of your premises only between the hours of 5:00 p.m. on the day before your scheduled collection day, and 10:00 p.m. on your scheduled collection day.

Every waste cart has a serial number and is electronically tagged so containers can be traced to each house address. Waste cart problems associated with normal wear and tear will be repaired by the City. However, any waste carts that are damaged through neglect or misuse (do not paint on your waste cart) will be the property owners’ expense. 

All household garbage items may be placed in the waste cart.  Garbage items should be bagged and tied, then deposited into your waste cart. This practice will keep your waste cart cleaner and minimize odors. Brush must be cut into 16" bundles. Branches must be no more than 3" in diameter. Garden and flowerbed waste is considered to be regular garbage. Grass/leaves (accepted only December 1 - March 31) are not permitted to be mixed with household garbage. 

Do not load your waste cart with dirt, rock, brick, concrete, batteries, oil, paint, pallets, 4x4 wood posts, tires, manure, fluorescent light bulbs, or hazardous materials. Yard waste is prohibited from your waste cart between April 1  - November 30. See our Yard Waste Program page for more information.

Beatrice residential customers may use their own containers for yard waste collection only since the yard waste program is collected by rear-loading trucks, rather than by trucks with automated arms.

Your collection time may change each week depending on traffic, construction, staffing, and other variables. For this reason, all carts should be curbside for collection by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.

The MARS billing office is located at 400 Ella Street at the BPW Utilities counter. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., except on holidays.

The Holiday Garbage & Curbside Recycling Collection Schedule can be found here.

To be notified directly about holiday garbage schedules, sign up to receive Community Notifications.