Street Sweeping
Tacoma’s street sweeping crews work diligently to keep the city clean and prevent debris from entering catch basins and the stormwater system, which ultimately flows into local waterways. By regularly sweeping streets, they help protect our environment from pollutants. Below you’ll find frequently asked questions (FAQs), street sweeping schedules, and best practices for preventing stormwater pollution.Â
Residential Street Sweeping Schedule
Tacoma’s residential areas are swept on a scheduled basis from January – October. The city is divided into five sweeping districts, each containing several sub-district neighborhoods.
To find your neighborhood’s sweeping day, look out for a postcard in your mailbox, which will include your personalized street sweeping district code and the designated sweeping day. You can also refer to the maps and schedules below to find out when sweepers will be in your area.
Leaf Season Sweeping
Starting the third week in October, we transition to what we refer to as Leaf Season Sweeping. During this time, our team works on a more flexible schedule to manage the increased volume of leaves falling across Tacoma. Unlike routine sweeping schedules, leaf season requires adaptability in responding to shifting workloads, weather conditions, and areas with the greatest need. This means that providing a fixed schedule during this time is not feasible. Instead, our sweepers are deployed across multiple sub-districts to ensure equitable service and efficient leaf removal.
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- Locate Your Sweeping District: Check the Tacoma Sweeping Districts Map or call (253) 591-5585 if you’re unsure which district you belong to.
- Find Your Sweeping Schedule: Once you know your district and neighborhood (e.g., 2-C), consult the schedule for your district to see the exact day street sweepers will visit.
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- District 1 – West End Neighborhood: Map (PDF) | Schedule (PDF)
- District 2 – New Tacoma Neighborhood: Map (PDF) | Schedule (PDF)
- District 3 – Central Neighborhood: Map (PDF) | Schedule (PDF)
- District 4 – Eastside Neighborhood: Map (PDF) | Schedule (PDF)
- District 5 – South Tacoma Neighborhood: Map (PDF) | Schedule (PDF)
If you live near the boundary of two districts, please check both district maps or call (253) 591-5585 for assistance.
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Major arterials are swept every nine weeks, while 12 business districts receive sweeping two to three times per week, including night service. Additional services may be provided for emergency calls or special events.
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When street sweepers are scheduled for your area:
- Move your vehicles off the street between 7 am and 3 pm.
- Remove garbage, recycling, and yard waste containers from the street.
- Trim low-hanging branches and bushes to provide at least 14 feet of clearance for sweepers.
For more information or assistance, call (253) 591-5585.
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Street sweeping is an essential part of keeping Tacoma’s streets and neighborhoods clean. It helps remove sediment and contaminants before they can enter the stormwater system and pollute local waterways. This practice is a critical part of Tacoma’s commitment to maintaining clean water and reducing pollutants, as outlined under the City’s NPDES permit.
Learn more about preventing stormwater pollution
Frequently Asked Questions
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Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department manages the street sweeping program.
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No, residents are responsible for keeping streets clear of yard waste and debris, as these can clog storm drains and cause flooding. Please use your yard waste container, compost, or dispose of waste at the Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center at no additional charge.
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Neighborhoods with a high number of deciduous trees may require more frequent sweeping. Residents can request more sweeping, and city staff will assess the need and availability of resources.
Help us keep Tacoma clean and protect our waterways by doing your part during street sweeping days—remember, If It Hits the Ground, It Hits the Sound!