RESIDENTIAL STREET FAQ's

• Why are we sweeping?

To remove accumulated winter abrasives and other debris. This provides safer streets, cleaner drainage systems, lower maintenance costs and reduces Chesapeake Bay pollutants.

• When does the program take place?

The systematic annual street sweeping begins in early April and continues until completion in July (depending on the weather). 

• When specifically will my street be done?

Tentative start dates for all routes are posted online prior to the star of the sweeping season. More definitive start dates are posted about a week prior to the start of the route, along with the posting of "no parking" signs" in the affected routes. You can enter your address into Highway Services' scheduling map for anticipated start dates. This schedule is updated frequently. However, please remember that weather and other operational factors may alter or delay actual sweep collection dates.

• How is it decided who will be swept first?

We rotate the starting point each year based on recommendations from the Department of Environmental Protection to protect our most vulnerable watersheds. 

• Signs were not posted on my street.

We will post signs a few days before street sweeping begins in the more densely populated areas. Signs are not posted on every street in a neighborhood but at major intersections. 

• Will my car be towed?

Although some signs indicate towing, we do not tow cars for sweeping. However, we typically do not send sweepers back to sweep areas after parked cars are moved.

• What is done with the swept up sand?

The most practical use is trash cover at the landfill. We investigated the possibility of recycling the debris, but found the organic content is too high to make the process cost effective.

• The sweeper missed an area in front of my house.

Each street is inspected after completion. If an area was missed, our inspectors usually spot it and will have it swept the following day. You can also report a missed location to 311. However, we typically do not send sweepers back to sweep areas after parked cars are moved.

• The sweepers keep going by my house but they are not sweeping the curb.

The sweepers may go by several times in order to clean the intersection near the resident's house. The sweepers prefer to go around the block instead of backing up. This is a safer procedure.

• The sweepers are speeding.

We do all that we can to ensure the safety of the operation. The contractor's supervisors and the County inspectors closely monitor the operation of the equipment. The size and noise of the machine help to give the appearance that the vehicle is moving faster than it may be. However, if you believe the sweeper is going too fast, please dial 311 and give the street name, time and truck number, if possible, so we can follow up with the owner of the company.