Our History

Betty Curtis at Husker Harvest Days 2009
Grand Island Area Clean Community System (CCS) was founded in 1981 by its former Executive Director, Betty Curtis. For those who had a chance to know Betty, she was nothing less than a visionary who took tremendous pride in her community. In 2013, our current location was renamed the “Betty Curtis Household Hazardous Waste Facility” after her sudden passing. Our facility currently serve more than 120,000 residents in the counties of Hall, Adams, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick; however, we never turn anyone away.
Monday through Friday and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, we offer one-stop proper and safe disposal of household hazardous waste. The majority of products we accept are paint, household cleaners, fertilizer, lawn chemicals, and unused oil. If you are unsure about whether we can accept an item, don’t throw it away – give us a call.

Grand Island Parks & Recreation Summer Recycling Program – Stolley Park Kinder Camp, Ball & Cup activity using recycled plastic bottles
As a community, we should continue to be aware of what products can be recycled and strive to improve recycling behaviors in our workplace and at home. Most research conducted about recycling behavior has focused on residential or curbside conditions. In a national poll of adults 18-65, when asked, 87% of respondents indicated that they typically recycle in their home, but only 41% indicated they do so in the workplace. 50% of those respondents indicated that it is difficult to extremely difficult to recycle in the workplace. (Survey conducted 8/28-9/14, 2014 by C&R Research, Inc. on behalf of KAB and the Ad Council).
To ensure that future generations are educated about recycling and how easy it is to do, our Keep Grand Island Beautiful Coordinator works with all ages to help educate them on proper recycling and litter control. Community education can reflect any number of the areas, including education about recycling, litter and cigarette litter, or keeping our community clean. Our customized presentations have been conducted in school classrooms, child care facilities, businesses, clubs, and professional groups. Give us a call today!
About Clean Community System

Gates Elementary’s Kids for Saving Earth club cleaning up Augustine Park.
Maybe you are thinking about cleaning up your neighborhood? We can help! Our office provides assistance to residents interested in cleaning up their neighborhood. We provide the supplies and arrange for the trash to be properly disposed. Neighborhood cleanups keep your community beautiful and keep unwanted litter from entering local waterways.
We want to thank you for your support over the past 40 years. Grand Island Area Clean Community System has grown from one person’s dream to a fully operational, caring organization. With your support, we will continue to help the area for future generations.