Find Your Street Sweeping Schedule
To search for your Street Cleaning schedule, use the tool below. Click "My Schedule" and type in your address to find when street cleaning occurs on your street, to sign up for street cleaning reminders, download your complete street cleaning schedule for the year or import the schedule to your digital calendar.
Street Cleaning Update
Beginning the week of September 1, 2024, the City of Cambridge will increase the fine for street cleaning violations to $100 per violation. This decision follows the recommendation by the Department of Public Works (DPW) after evaluating the 2023 Pilot Street Cleaning Program, which included a suspension of towing for vehicles that were not moved on street cleaning days.
The 2023 Pilot Program was widely advertised and focused on encouraging residents to continue moving their vehicles despite the suspension of towing. During the 2023 pilot, the number of tickets issued for street cleaning parking violations increased by an average of 93% and so far in 2024, the number of tickets issued has continued to increase. This indicates that vehicles are not being moved as required, despite a $50 fine per violation, which has severely impacted the effectiveness of the street cleaning program.
As the City approaches the fall season, a critical time when debris on the streets is at its heaviest, it is more important than ever to ensure that vehicles are moved to allow for effective street sweeping. When vehicles remain on the street, sweepers are forced to maneuver around them, limiting their ability to collect debris.
The Cambridge Street Sweeping Program, which dates to 1885, is essential for keeping our streets clean, free of leaves, rubbish, and debris, and for improving the water quality of stormwater discharged into the Charles River and Alewife Brook. The residential street sweeping program covers both sides of every residential street once per month from April through December, using mechanical brooms.
Key data and points about Cambridge’s Street Sweeping Program include:
- Debris Removal: Between 1,500 and 2,000 tons of material, including litter, debris, leaves, and sediment, are removed from Cambridge streets annually.
- Curb Access: Access to curbs is critical for effective street sweeping.
- Stormwater Pollution Reduction: Street sweeping decreases stormwater pollution by reducing the amount of suspended sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants that reach the Charles River and Alewife Brook.
- Flood Risk Reduction: Street sweeping helps reduce the risk of localized flooding by keeping storm drains clear of leaves and debris.
In time, the City of Cambridge filed a home rule petition to increase the fines associated with street cleaning, leading to the new $100 violation fee. Residents are urged to move their vehicles on street cleaning days to avoid fines and to contribute to keeping our City clean and safe.
Holiday List and Closures
Patriots Day Monday April 21st: Street Cleaning rescheduled to April 29th
Memorial Day Monday May 26th: Street Cleaning is rescheduled to May 29
Juneteenth Thursday June 19th: Street Cleaning rescheduled to May 30th
Independence Day Friday July 4th: Street Cleaning rescheduled to June 20th
Labor Day Monday September 1st: Street Cleaning rescheduled to August 29th
Indigenous People Day Monday October 13th: Street Cleaning rescheduled to September 29th
Veterans Day Tuesday November 11th: Street Cleaning rescheduled to October 29th
Thanksgiving Day Thursday November 27th: Streets Cleaning rescheduled November 24th
Day After Thanksgiving Friday November 28th: No changes
Day Before Christmas Wednesday December 24th: No changes
Christmas Holiday Thursday December 25th: Street Cleaning rescheduled to December 29th
Note: Street cleaning ends for winter season on December 31 and resumes on April 1, 2025
Additional Information
In addition to neighborhood sweeping, City squares are cleaned daily: on weekdays from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., weekends and holidays from 4-8 a.m. (street sweeping) and 6-10 a.m. (hand-cleaning crew). Litter barrels in squares are emptied twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends.
The Division also has a power washer which is used to clean public trash and recycling receptacles, and to operate a graffiti removal program, a collaboration between Public Works, the police department, residents, and property owners to remove graffiti on both public and private property (with owner's permission). To report graffiti use the Commonwealth Connect tool. Once reported, an inspector will examine the damage and schedule a cleaning.
Where can I find the street sweeping schedule?
Use this tool to find your street cleaning schedule. Just type in your address to find your schedule, sign up for reminders, and more.
Can I park on the street after the sweeper goes by?
You should only park on the street after the posted time on the street sweeping sign. Even though you may have seen the sweeper go by once, it may need to go by for a second pass. Also, the City's catch basin cleaning program is closely coordinated with monthly street sweeping in order to reduce additional parking disruptions, and that equipment may be scheduled during the same posted time period.
Does street cleaning ever get cancelled?
Street cleaning rarely gets cancelled. Extremely heavy rain or snow would cause a cancellation. Sign up to receive alerts for Street Cleaning.