• City of Tacoma QA
  • City of Tacoma OpenData




Street Sweeping

Street Sweeping 

City of Tacoma street sweeping crews make their way through Tacoma keeping it clean as well as preventing debris and contamination from entering catch basins and the stormwater system which flow into local waterways.

 

City residential areas are swept on a scheduled basis. These areas are divided into five sweeping districts with numerous sub-district neighborhoods.

 

Keep an eye out for a postcard in your mailbox, which will have your personalized street sweeping district code and sweeping day imprinted just below the return address. To find your district and schedule sweeping day now, please refer to the maps and schedules below.

 

Your Neighborhood Sweeping Schedule

First, go to your Street Sweeping District and check the map to see which sweeping neighborhood you are in. If you’re not sure what district you are in, please refer to the Tacoma Sweeping Districts Map, or call (253) 591-5585.

 

Once you know what neighborhood you are in (for example, 2-C), go to the Street Sweeping Schedule for your district and find out what day the street sweepers are coming to your neighborhood. (Postcards will also be mailed out informing you of your neighborhood/district and your street sweeping day.)

Area Map Schedule
District 1 - West End Neighborhood Map (PDF)
 Schedule (PDF)
District 2 - New Tacoma Neighborhood Map (PDF)
 Schedule (PDF)
District 3 - Central Neighborhood Map (PDF)
 Schedule (PDF)
District 4 - Eastside Neighborhood Map (PDF)
 Schedule (PDF)
District 5 - South Tacoma Neighborhood Map (PDF)
 Schedule (PDF)

If you are on the border of two districts, you may need to check the individual district maps to see if you can determine which one your home is in, or call (253) 591-5585 for assistance.

 

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

 

What to do when street sweepers are in your neighborhood
  • Move your vehicles off the street between 7 AM and 3 PM
  • Remove garbage, recycling and yard waste containers from the street
  • Trim low-hanging branches and bushes near the street, up to 14’ high, to provide sweepers complete access
For more information, call (253) 591-5585.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who's in charge of this program?
Environmental Services

Why is street sweeping important?
The City of Tacoma's street sweeping program keeps the City streets and communities clean. Street sweeping removes sediment and associated contaminants from the street surfaces before they enter the stormwater collection system and local waterways.

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

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 stormwater system during heavy rains, cause flooding problems and possibly damage homes in your neighborhood. If you see a clogged catch basin, please use a rake to clear the problem or call (253) 591-5585 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 Recovery & Transfer Center. This 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.



]]>