Fort Worth has welcomed a new fleet of street sweepers, marking the culmination of over a year of anticipation. This new fleet, which replaces the city’s outdated sweepers and adds an additional 10 vehicles, is set to boost the city’s cleaning capabilities in response to its rapid growth. The rollout of these vehicles is part of a broader initiative to maintain a cleaner environment across Fort Worth.
On September 10, standing beside a newly acquired street sweeper outside City Hall, Environmental Services Director Cody Whittenburg highlighted the importance of the new fleet in the city’s commitment to environmental cleanliness. “Our goal is to create and maintain a clean and attractive city, and street sweepers are critical to achieving that goal,” Whittenburg stated. He emphasized that the sweepers not only collect litter but also remove finer debris, preventing it from entering storm drains and contaminating local waterways.
The city invested $3.5 million in these new street sweepers in spring 2023, reflecting a significant push to enhance litter control. This investment aligns with the recent increase in the city’s monthly environmental fee—from 50 cents to $1.50 per resident per month, the first adjustment in 26 years.
The move to upgrade Fort Worth’s street sweeping infrastructure comes in response to growing resident concerns about litter, as indicated by community surveys since 2019. In addition to the new sweepers, the city has established an environmental services department, initiated cleanup crews, and launched a highway trash removal program. In collaboration with the Tarrant Regional Water District, Fort Worth is also funding the construction of a water wheel designed to remove thousands of pounds of trash from the Trinity River daily.
Whittenburg reported that the new sweepers began their cleaning duties last week, with operators set to cover more routes in the following weeks. The fleet aims to clean approximately 6,380 street miles per month, a significant increase from the 580 miles per month cleaned by the previous sweepers. The fleet operates with 13 trained operators working four 10-hour shifts weekly, having received training from the Waco-based manufacturer TYMCO.
Adding a touch of community engagement to the launch, city officials are hosting a contest to name the new street sweepers. With the opportunity for residents to submit up to three name suggestions each, the contest aims to build public awareness and foster a connection with the new fleet. The deadline for name submissions is September 30, after which the city will announce the winning names.
This new fleet of street sweepers represents a major step forward for Fort Worth, enhancing its ability to manage litter and maintain clean streets across the city.