SAINT PAUL, MN (April 27, 2023) – Starting today, April 27, 2023, Saint Paul Public Works will begin its annual spring residential street sweeping operations. City crews will sweep approximately 530 miles of residential streets throughout Saint Paul. Public Works will then sweep more than 2,000 alleys in Saint Paul.
Street sweeping operations are expected to take approximately six weeks, weather permitting. This year, Saint Paul Public Works is starting the spring sweep a little later to focus more resources on pothole patching throughout the city. Given the extraordinary pothole patching needs after this winter, Public Works will be reducing the number of sweeping crews to allow the city to keep three pothole patching crews active throughout Saint Paul.
“We will continue to put extra efforts and attention into pothole patching streets throughout Saint Paul,” said Sean Kershaw, Director of Saint Paul Public Works. “This has been a tough winter on our road infrastructure. Street sweeping is a critical tool to not only keep our streets and storm sewer systems clear of debris, but also protect our waterways.”
Street sweeping is an important city service that not only removes dirt and garbage from the streets, but also clears additional organic debris such as leaves, dirt and grass clippings from entering Saint Paul’s storm sewer system. This protects the city’s storm sewer system, and prevents excess debris from polluting our streams, lakes, and rivers.
Saint Paul Public Works reminds businesses and residents how they can help the citywide sweeping efforts:
Move vehicles and follow all posted “No Parking” signs. The City will post temporary “No Parking” signs 24 hours in advance of sweeping operations. Vehicles parked in areas with “No Parking” signs could be ticketed and towed.
Do not push any materials, including leaves, grass, or debris into the street. Please properly bag and dispose of any leaves, dirt, and grass clippings. Residents can take materials to Ramsey County compost sites, use their residential yard waste services, or if the resident is part of the Citywide Garbage Service, they can put out compostable yard waste bags with their garbage service to be collected at $3 per bag.
Do not put garbage or recycling carts in the street. Please make sure carts are only placed on the boulevard, not the street.
Adopt A Drain. Residents can help protect our waterways by adopting a storm drain in their neighborhood. By adopting a storm drain (or two), these residents promise to help keep it free of debris in the coming months. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/adoptadrain
Saint Paul Public Works sweeps all 530 miles of residential streets twice a year, once in the spring and another in the fall. More than 330 miles of alleys are swept in the spring. Approximately 340 miles of arterial (main) streets are swept at least eight times each year between April and October.
For more information, including a map and schedule about Saint Paul’s street sweeping operations, visit www.stpaul.gov/sweep.
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