Operation Clean Sweep

Beginning November 3rd-December 2nd 2008, City street sweepers will remove all fallen leaves and debris throughout neighborhood streets. Operation Clean Sweep is a program that undertakes a massive approach to collecting leaves and debris that have fallen naturally into the street*. It is critical to remove debris from storm drains to allow proper snow and ice drainage during the winter season. Clogged storm drains may cause localized flooding and standing water will continuously freeze and thaw in winter months that result in premature damage to streets.

*Please do not rake or blow leaves from your yard into the street. It is prohibited to dispose any yard waste into the street or right-of-way. Read on for suggestions on disposing yard leaves.

How does Operation Clean Sweep work?
street sweeper Operation Clean Sweep divides the city into zones. During the Operation Clean Sweep process, a team of heavy equipment and sweeper vehicles will remove debris from curb to curb. In certain heavy leaf Zones, crews will work on one side of the street each day. Parking will only be available on the opposite side of street from the work zone.

What are the Parking Restrictions?
In certain zones (view sweeping map), there will be parking restrictions on one side of the street at a time. The side of the street with even addresses will be swept on even days, while the side of the street with odd address will be swept on odd days.

“No Parking” signs will be posted in advance on the side of the street where the work will take place. Please read the signs carefully and remove all vehicles from the work area by 7:00am. Vehicles that remain in the “No Parking” zone will be towed. Parking will be available on the opposite side of the street from the work zone.

In other parts of the city, parking restrictions will not in place. However, it is helpful if citizens remove their vehicles from the street during street sweeping day.

In the event of inclement weather, work will be postponed to a later date.

Can I rake my leaves into the street for the sweeper to clean up?
Please do no rake or blow your leaves into the street. The objective of this program is to sweep up leaves that fall naturally into the street. It is prohibited by City ordinance Sec. 23-46 to dispose any yard waste into a public right-of-way. Since large piles of leaves can damage sweepers, City street sweepers will not sweep up leaves that appear to be in rows or piles in the street.

Instead, bag up those leaves for trash pick-up. Or, learn how to save money on your trash bill by composting leaves through the Natural Resources Departments Leaf Exchange Program. Through this free program, you can locate citizens who will take your leaves free of charge for mulching or composting. Citizens who want to give away their leaves can also sign up on the registry.

Questions or concerns? Contact the Streets Department at 221-6615.

How You Can Help

Other Helpful Links Leaf Exchange Program Adopt-Neighbor Program

Find out when your street will be swept and remove all vehicles from the street on Sweeping Day.
Do not rake or blow leaves from your property into the street- that is actually a violation of City ordinance.
Remove basketball backboards, trash cans and other obstructions.

A clean sweep means your street looks good and theres less dirt and debris down the storm drain.

Thank You for your cooperation! Access Fort Collins