Litter

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Fort Worth is committed to eliminating litter in our community. After all, littering and illegal dumping is a crime! The city is asking everyone to play an active role in eliminating litter through litter prevention, reduction and enforcement activities in Fort Worth - Stop It! Report It! Pick It Up!

Just one person, one business or one organization can positively affect the behavior of others.

 

STOP IT!

 The easiest way to tackle litter is at its source:   

  • Bag your garbage properly and keep the cart lids closed at all times.
  • Set out yard trimmings and bulk items the correct way on the correct day.  
  • Use the four Drop-off Stations and Environmental Collection Center to dispose of excess trash.   
  • Use tarp to cover or properly tie down and secure loads when transporting loose items in the bed of a truck. 

REPORT IT!

You are the solution to the problem! When you see litter:

  • Report it on the MyFW app. 
  • Contact the Call Center at 817-392-1234.                                                                                                            
  • If you see a person littering from a vehicle, report it on the TxDOT Don’t Mess with Texas app.  
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PICK IT UP!

Litter is everyone’s responsibility! Volunteer with Keep Fort Worth Beautiful and join a citywide cleanup or organize your own!

To request free supplies, visit the KFWB page. 

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Name the Sweepers Contest

 

The Name the Sweepers Contest received over 1,300 name submissions from over 500 participants. The list has been narrowed down to 50 contenders, and we need your help picking the winners! Cast your vote by Friday, November 15, and select up to 10 of your favorite names. The top 12 names will earn a spot on one of the new street sweepers! 

Cast your vote:

  1. Complete the Name the Sweepers Contest Finalist survey. 
  2. Select up to 10 of your favorite names from the list.
  3. Cast your vote!
  4. Voting ends on Friday, November 15, 2024.

VOTE TODAY!

Winners will be announced December 3, 2024.

Stay tuned and see if your favorite names were selected! Winning names will be listed on the website, the Keep Fort Worth Beautiful Facebook page, and KFWB monthly newsletter. Get the announcement direct to your email, sign up for the free Keep Fort Worth Beautiful monthly newsletter today!

Street Sweepers

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The City of Fort Worth has proudly received the 12 street sweepers that were ordered in spring of 2023.  The City has designed multiple sweeping routes to cover the primary arterials of the City and will begin sweeping these areas each week, Monday thought Friday, beginning in September 2024. The City is anticipating sweeping approximately  4,800 curb miles per month with the new sweepers,  increasing the City of Fort Worth’s litter service capacity, ensuring that Fort Worth is the most livable city in the country.

 

Additionally,  the City of Fort Worth will continue to utilize with Sweeping Corp. of America (SCA) to work in collaboration with the City to augment the sweeping program when necessary. 

 

All businesses and residents located along street sweeper routes can prepare for street sweeping days by:

  • Removing garbage/recycling carts, vehicles, large debris, piles of leaves/branches, etc. from the curb on sweeping days.
  • Sweep sidewalks and gather debris before street-sweeping days. Don’t sweep trash and debris into the street.
  • Trim back branches near the street to prevent trees and equipment from being damaged.
  • Bicyclists: ride carefully and be aware of sweeping activity near bike lanes.
  • Drivers: give street sweepers plenty of room and only pass when safe to do so.
  • Allow extra following distance when driving a vehicle behind a moving street sweeper.
  • Use caution when passing a moving street sweeper.

 

All businesses and residents located along street sweeper routes should not:

  • Follow a street sweeper closely. Airborne dust may make visibility difficult. Small rocks may get kicked up by the rotating brooms.
  • Sweep or blow leaves into the street. Piles can clog gutters and drains and may result in flooding during heavy rains. Sweepers are also not designed to pick up large piles of leaves. (Piles also become road hazards).
  • Ignore ‘No Parking’ signs posted for street sweeping days. You’re putting yourself at risk of being ticketed or towed! 

Partners

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 Sweeping Corp. of America 

SCA keeps streets, highways, construction sites, parking lots and industrial/manufacturing complexes clean, free of debris and compliant with EPA regulations. 

Upspire, uplifting people insprired workforce

UpSpire

UpSpire believes in the power of business to make substantial and lasting change in our community.

Major Sources of Litter

In 2016, Open Channels Group (OCG), commissioned by the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), conducted a survey of residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex regarding their perceptions of litter. In this study, 70 percent of participants reported observing litter on a very frequent basis and an even larger portion, 80 percent, felt their city should do more to keep general public areas clean. Residents are aware of the negative impacts of litter, although the actual size and scope of the litter problem in Fort Worth is not widely realized.

Residential and commercial garbage cans and dumpsters

If trash containers or dumpsters do not have closed, tight-fitting lids, or no lid at all, then trash is scattered by animals or the wind.

Uncontrolled parking lots, fast-food restaurants and convenience stores

Litter from unmaintained trash containers or placed on surface lots is frequently blown onto neighboring properties or into waterways. Business owners, operators and managers must control litter and illegal dumping on their properties.

Worksites (loading docks, construction and demolition sites)

Construction material waste, employee negligence, items falling from delivery and waste hauling vehicles, cement truck waste and excavation waste have negative impacts on the properties surrounding worksites. Loading docks are sources of blowing litter - shrink wrap, corrugated boxes, shipping documents, etc.

If you work at or operate a site, be sure to require your workers and delivery personnel to use waste cans and dumpsters for trash.

Motorists and pedestrians

Individuals who generate litter and waste while driving, walking, jogging or biking can be fined for littering. Fines range up to $2,000 per violation. Be sure to use car litter bags and keep trash until you can recycle it or dispose of it properly in a can/bin at the next rest area, gas station, or convenient store/restaurant.

Unsecured truckloads

Loads that are not tied down can release loose materials onto streets and freeways. Trucks that allow material to fall off the truck are subject to fines up to $2,000. Secure loads with tarps or nets. If something blows from your vehicle, be responsible and pick up after yourself.

Resources (download)

Environmental Master Plan

The City of Fort Worth is in the process of developing its first Environmental Master Plan in support of the city's pursuit of improved environmental performance. This plan includes a litter control chapter focused on eliminating litter and illegal dumping throughout our community.;

Environmental Master Plan - Ch. 6 Litter Control(PDF, 5MB)

Click to view the entire Environmental Master Plan.

 

Litter Campaign Media Kit

Help educate fellow Fort Worth residents and visitors about litter by spreading the word. Print and post or share on social media - there are several informational pieces to use. Be sure to tag @KeepFortWorthBeautiful on Facebook and @KFWB_TX on Twitter.


Publications

Litter Events and Initiatives

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