Street sweeping is an essential service conducted regularly to keep our city streets clean and environmentally healthy. In our city, street sweeping is scheduled twice monthly, following the official street sweeping calendar.
To easily find out the street sweeping schedule for your specific neighborhood, please refer to our interactive street sweeping map or consult the detailed street sweeping schedule available on our website. These resources will provide you with precise dates and times for your area.
The Vital Role of Street Sweeping
Street Sweepers play a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness and environmental quality of our city. These specialized vehicles are designed to remove dirt, leaves, litter, and other debris from our streets, preventing these pollutants from entering our storm drains. This is crucial because storm drains are directly connected to our natural waterways, and any debris entering them can lead to significant water pollution.
Beyond aesthetics, street sweeping is a key component of the City’s compliance with both state and federal stormwater quality regulations. By effectively removing pollutants before they reach the storm drains, we can collectively contribute to cleaner rivers, lakes, and ultimately, a healthier ocean. Our dedicated street sweeping program covers approximately 18,000 curb miles annually, demonstrating the scale of our commitment to street cleanliness.
It’s important to understand that street sweepers are most effective when they are not hindered by large items, piles of debris, or wet materials. These machines are designed for routine maintenance and the removal of typical street debris. Therefore, resident cooperation is vital to maximize the efficiency of our street sweeping efforts.
How You Can Help Keep Our Streets Clean
Residents play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of street sweeping and maintaining the overall cleanliness of our streets. Here are simple yet important actions you can take to help:
- Avoid Piling Debris in the Street: Do not pile leaves, branches, grass clippings, or any other debris directly in the street or gutter. These piles can obstruct the street sweeper and prevent it from effectively cleaning the area.
- Properly Dispose of Yard Waste: Instead of raking, sweeping, or blowing leaves and other yard waste into the street or gutter, please dispose of them properly through city-provided green waste bins or designated collection programs.
- Keep Large Items Out of the Street: Palm fronds, long twigs, and branches should be kept out of the street and gutter. These larger items can damage street sweepers and are too large for the machines to handle effectively.
- Clear the Curb Line: Please ensure portable basketball hoops, RV access ramps, and other movable objects are removed from the street and gutter on street sweeping days to allow clear access for the sweepers.
By following these guidelines, residents can significantly improve the efficiency of street sweeping and contribute to a cleaner, healthier city for everyone.
Essential Street Sweeping Guidelines for Residents
To ensure the smooth operation of our street sweeping program and to avoid any inconvenience, please be aware of these important guidelines:
- Parking Restrictions: Parking is strictly prohibited on designated streets on street sweeping days, as indicated by posted signs and the street sweeping schedule. Vehicles parked on the street during scheduled sweeping times are subject to parking tickets to ensure unobstructed access for the sweepers. Your cooperation in adhering to parking restrictions is greatly appreciated.
- Street Sweeping on Rainy Days: Street sweeping operations may or may not be canceled on rainy days depending on the intensity of the rain. If the streets are excessively wet, street sweepers are unable to effectively remove debris. However, it is always advisable to move your vehicle according to posted street sweeping signs, even on rainy days, unless official announcements indicate otherwise.
- Protect Our Waterways: “Only Rain in the Drain”: It is crucial to remember that storm drains are designed to carry rainwater directly to the ocean without treatment. Therefore, it is illegal and environmentally damaging to dispose of anything other than rainwater into the gutter. This includes litter, leaves, pet waste, motor oil, and other auto fluids. Dumping pollutants into the gutter directly contributes to ocean pollution and harms our delicate aquatic ecosystems. Let’s work together to keep our storm drains clean and protect our ocean.
By understanding and cooperating with the street sweeping program, residents play a vital part in maintaining a clean, healthy, and environmentally responsible city.
