DPW News Release: Leaf Collection to Begin Nov. 7, Street Sweeping Ends Oct. 31

Editor's note: The following is an unedited press release from the Department of Public Works.

The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) announced that weekly residential mechanical street cleaning will end for the season Monday, October 31, 2011. “No Parking/Street Cleaning” restrictions will be lifted and motorists may park on posted, alternate-side, daytime sweeping routes without moving their cars on street-cleaning days. Residential street sweeping will resume March 1, weather permitting.

Residential street sweeping is suspended for public safety concerns and to allow the employees to transition to leaf collection duties, which start Nov. 7. The sweepers release a fine spray of water to control the dust as they sweep. When the temperature is at freezing or below, the spray can freeze and cause accidents to vehicles and pedestrians.

Overnight sweeping along the District’s major roadways, e.g., Pennsylvania, Georgia, Constitution, and Independence avenues, will continue all winter, as weather permits. Motorists should obey the street sweeping signs posted along these streets.

By suspending the street sweeping program, DPW personnel can focus on leaf collection, which begins Nov. 7, as well as the upcoming snow removal season. The 2011-2012 leaf collection season begins Nov. 7, 2011 and will run through Jan. 14, 2012.  Leaves will be removed from treeboxes at least twice. Loose leaves raked into the treeboxes or bagged leaves placed there will be collected and composted.