Street sweeping is one of the most visible aspects of the Storm Drainage Division. Citizens and the traveling public can all benefit in several ways from a successful street sweeping program. Clean streets and gutters not only give our town a clean and well kept appearance, but they also help to reduce traffic accidents and air pollution caused by dirt and debris accumulation.

It is important to sweep as much dirt and debris as possible to prevent pollutants and sediment from entering the storm water system and, eventually, local waterways. A successful sweeping program helps to keep the town in compliance with the federally mandated Clean Water Act. Annually, the town hauls approximately 200 cubic yards of dirt and debris from street sweeping to the landfill. This does not include leaves from the fall leaf sweeping season.

Operations

The Storm Drainage Division operates one mechanical sweeper throughout the year and one air-operated vacuum sweeper during leaf season. The sweepers maintain approximately 7,000 miles of streets and highways within the Town of Windsor limits each year.

The town is divided into sweeping districts and each district is swept on an as-needed basis. Old Town Windsor and areas with larger, mature trees are swept several times each week during leaf season. The downtown district is swept approximately 20 times each year during the early morning hours before cars begin parking at local businesses.

Other sweeping responsibilities include sweeping of parking lots, citizen complaints, traffic accidents, debris spills in the roadway, and special events.

How You Can Help

If you see a sweeper in the area, please move your vehicle off the street. Keep trash cans, basketball hoops, sports equipment, and other obstructions out of the street. It is also helpful if property owners keep tree branches and small brush trimmed so the sweeper can access the curb line.

Leaves, Grass Clippings and Debris
Sweepers cannot pick up large debris and piles of leaves. As a reminder, it is illegal to place trash, branches and debris in the street. It is also illegal to blow or rake grass clippings and leaves into the street. Leaves that fall into a resident’s yard are the property owner's responsibility to pick up. This falls under "Littering" in Windsor Municipal Code Sec. 7-2-30.   
  
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in keeping Windsor's streets clean.