Clean streets help keep Bloomington moving safely while protecting local waterways. Each spring and fall, City crews sweep and flush more than 342 miles of streets and bike lanes, improving air quality and reducing pollutants that can reach stormwater systems. Research by the U.S. Geological Survey shows that streets, when cleaned of leaf litter prior to a storm, can significantly decrease nutrient loads in stormwater runoff.
Spring sweeping typically begins in early April. Fall sweeping is completed in October. Crews work two shifts, Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. The City alternates sweeping start and finish points each year, so every area gets a turn.
Remember, fall sweeping is not leaf collection. Residents are responsible for collecting leaves. Leaves should never be raked or blown into the street. They can clog storm drains and pipes, contributing to flooding and backups, create slippery conditions for drivers and interfere with snow removal when frozen.
