Street sweeping is one of the most cost-effective stormwater management practices. It keeps debris from clogging rainwater catch basins and inlets, reducing localized flooding and lowering pollutant loading into waterways.
Please keep the roadway before your house clear of large sticks, toys, and garbage containers to aid sweeping crews. Also, trim any overhanging trees and shrubs that may obstruct the sweeper’s operation.
Debris Removal
Sweeping removes dirt and debris from the surface of a parking lot, construction site, or street. It helps to prevent slip-and-fall accidents that can be costly for property owners. It also allows storm drains to work as they should and not become clogged with debris.
In addition, a clean environment is attractive to residents and customers alike. People will want to live in a pristine neighborhood, and patrons will enjoy shopping at a clean mall. It’s also a great way to boost a company’s image and brand.
Stormwater Management
In cities, towns, and other areas with a lot of pavement and concrete, stormwater runoff is often forced to flow over these surfaces rather than be absorbed into the ground. The excess water can pick up pollutants, like oil, grease, and pesticides, as it travels and eventually flows into local rivers, lakes, or oceans, polluting the environment.
Bellevue is one of more than 100 communities in Washington required to manage its stormwater with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. That means the city must follow “best management practices” and report on those actions yearly.
Street sweeping Bellevue is one of those best practices that help prevent contaminants from entering the environment. Residents can help by not sweeping or blowing leaves or grass clippings into the street and placing them in green waste containers instead. As noted by signs, they should also avoid parking on streets during sweeping days; the city’s regenerative air sweepers can’t reach vehicles parked on streets scheduled to be swept.
Safety
In addition to keeping streets clean, street sweeping helps prevent slip-and-fall accidents. That is because a smooth surface is less likely to cause someone to lose control of their car or fall as they walk across it.
Residents can help make street sweeping more effective by following the no-parking signs and moving their cars on days their area is scheduled to be cleaned. They should also ensure they’re only putting out their trash and recycling on their designated day, as oversized items could clog the sweeper and require emptying it more frequently. It will allow the crew to focus on sweeping as much of the area as possible.
Cleanliness
Whether it’s a parking lot or street, a clean area provides an inviting first impression. People want to live in a pristine neighborhood, and shoppers prefer shopping at a clean store.
Leaving debris on the streets can also be detrimental to the environment. Sweeping removes harmful metal particles from the pavement that can be carried into storm drains and waterways. It contaminates the ecosystem, harming fish and wildlife.
Residents and businesses can help by moving their cars on days when street sweeping occurs in their neighborhood. Check out the city’s mechanical street sweeping maps and spreadsheets to see when your area will be swept, then follow the “no parking” signs.