Street Sweeping

Street sweeping keeps our community clean and safe by removing the dirt, fine metal particles, petroleum products, vegetation and other debris that regularly collect on our streets and paths. Removing these materials is important because they could end up in our storm drains and eventually into our creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Keeping the storm drains clear not only helps to reduce pollution, but also reduces the likelihood of flooding during heavy rain.

Palo Alto streets are being swept weekly as of October 20, 2025. Bi-weekly sweeping will resume approximately February 16, 2026, but this date is subject to change based on observed leaf fall.

Service Guidelines

Street sweepers cannot pick up large pieces or piles. To ensure a clean street:

• Do not pile leaves or other debris in the street or gutter.
• Do not rake, sweep, blow leaves or other debris in the street or gutter.
• Keep palm fronds, long twigs and branches out of the street or gutter.
• Pick up litter in front of your home or business.
• Park your vehicles off the street on your designated sweep day.
• Prune trees and shrubs so that they do not block the street sweepers from reaching the curb line.
• During rains, prevent flooding by raking leaves off storm drain grates.
  
  

Street Sweeping Schedule

Palo Alto’s residential and light commercial street sweeping schedule changes from weekly during leaf season (mid-October to mid-February) to every other week during non-leaf season. The exact date of service changes will be based on the observed leaf fall.