Street sweeping is one of the most visible aspects of Windsor Storm Drainage. 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 800 cubic yards of dirt and debris from street sweeping to the landfill. This does not include leaves from the fall leaf sweeping season.
Operations
Windsor Storm Drainage operates one mechanical sweeper and one air operated vacuum sweeper throughout the year. Town of Windsor Streets & Storm Drainage strives to sweep all 20 street sweeping districts 4 times a year, and the Downtown Business District 16 times a year during the early morning hours before cars begin parking at local businesses. 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 following reasons can affect our street sweeping schedule: weather, fall leaf season, staffing, mechanical issues with equipment and re-directs such as unplanned emergencies that come our way.
The Town of Windsor Street Sweeping season is from April 1st thru November 30th. If temperatures are above freezing (32°F), our street sweepers maybe out from December 1st thru March 31st.
On your street sweeping district days, please keep your trash and recycling cans, sports equipment, vehicles and other obstructions out of the streets. This will maximize our street sweepers' efforts.
Street Sweeping Hours of Operations are generally Monday thru Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm, unless called out for emergency spills. Street Sweeping of District 6 Main St./Hwy 392 (Downtown Business District) is every other Friday between 2 am & 6 am (Weather Permitting).
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.