Litter

 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. 

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. 

In 2017, Fort Worth piloted street sweeping efforts with two sweepers. The program sweeps approximately 7,000 lane miles annually, collecting 168 tons of litter, dirt and debris in efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more attractive city. Additionally, Sweeping Corp. of America (SCA)(PDF, 342KB)  crews have been contracted by the City of Fort Worth to work in collaboration with the City in focusing on cleaning major arterial roadways and business corridors each month. This, with the addition of ten new street sweepers approved through the Environmental Protection Fund for Fiscal Year (FY) 23 will increase the City of Fort Worth's litter service capacity to create a more livable city.

City staff will review service requests for neighborhood streets, where possible. Residents can submit a request via the MyFW mobile app or call the City Call Center at 817-392-1234.

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!

View the A7 Tornado street sweeper here.

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.

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

• Fort Worth launches litter control campaign for cleaner, safer city