Street Sweeping

City of Tacoma crews and street sweepers are out and about, making their way through the City and helping keep Tacoma clean as well as preventing debris and contamination from entering storm drains, which flow directly into local waterways.

When street sweepers are in your area, please:

• Move your vehicles off the street.
• Remove garbage, recycling and yard waste containers from the street.
• Trim low-hanging branches and bushes near the street to provide sweepers complete access.

For more information, call 253.591.5585.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my street get swept?

Who's in charge of this program?

Why is street sweeping important?

So, does this mean I can leave my yard waste in the street?

What should I do with my leaves and other yard waste then?

Why do some areas get swept more frequently than others?

When will my street get swept?

City residential areas are divided into seven sweeping districts and are swept on a scheduled basis, either once or twice a year. First, find your neighborhood on the map here, then see where your district is on the schedule below.

For this month's sweeping schedule, click here.

* Neighborhood descriptions are approximate. Sweeping districts may cross borders of defined neighborhoods. Please refer to the above map link for more specific boundaries to determine your sweeping schedule.

To print out a month-by-month schedule for all of 2008 and 2009, click here and you'll be able to download a printable PDF. Please know that these are approximate schedules and are subject change.

Also, watch for a postcard in the mail letting you know that street sweepers will be coming, then watch for signs in your neighborhood identifying the specific days sweepers will be in your area. The weekly street sweeping schedule will also be updated regularly on this web page.

The street sweeping program also provides services for major arterials on a three-week rotation. Nightly services are also provided in 12 business districts approximately two or three times each week. Additional street sweeping services are provided as needed for emergency calls, special events and customer requests.

Who's in charge of this program?

The Public Works Environmental Services Maintenance Division maintains this program, as well as the City's storm water collection system infrastructure.

Why is street sweeping important?

The purpose of the City of Tacoma's street sweeping program is to keep the City streets and communities clean, and to remove sediment and associated contaminants from the street surfaces before they can enter the storm water collection system and eventually into local waterways.

Under Section S5.C.9.b of Tacoma's new Phase I NPDES permit, the City is required to implement Best Management Practices in order to maintain streets and reduce pollutants caused by storm water runoff. The street sweeping program is the first line of defense in protecting waterways by keeping the storm water collection system clean.

So, does this mean I can leave my yard waste in the street?

No. It is the responsibility of residents to keep their neighborhood streets free of excessive yard waste and other debris. Leaving yard waste and other debris in the street can clog the storm water system during heavy rains and cause flooding problems and possibly damage homes in your neighborhood. If you see a clogged storm drain, please use a rake to clear the problem or call (253) 591-5585 or (253) 591-5595 to report flooding. For safety reasons, avoid stepping into the puddle itself.

What should I do with my leaves and other yard waste then?

• Place them in your brown yard waste container for pickup.
• Compost your leaves and yard waste and use it as mulch in your garden.
• Dispose of your yard waste for no additional charge at the Tacoma Landfill. (Applies to City residents only.)

Why do some areas get swept more frequently than others?

Neighborhoods with a high number of deciduous trees planted in parking strips, the city's right-of-way areas, are swept more often as leaves accumulate quite quickly in these areas. Residents may request more frequent sweeping and City staff will evaluate the need and availability of resources.

E-mail contact for this page: Community Relations