Expanding Recognition of the Environmental Value of Street Sweeping
by Ranger Kidwell-Ross, editor
WorldSweeper.com
As many of our readers are aware, WorldSweeper led the effort to involve the sweeper manufacturers in a rare opportunity to see how well their sweeper models could perform sweeping up microplastics in a highly-touted, nationally funded test. Unfortunately, with the exception of Fayat Cleantech Solutions and Merit Sweeprite they all declined to participate. (As previously reported, both Stewart-Amos and CurbTender were both willing but unfortunately unable to test during the timeframe we had.)
In my more than six months of working with the U.S. sweeper manufacturers to facilitate their participation in the first national street sweeper test in over 14 years, most refused to provide any of their models for testing, even when not being charged for doing so. That may well be so their salespeople can keep saying "Our sweepers are the best!" – at least until going head-to-head with others on a level playing ground. Given that, how can municipalities take a leading role in determining which technologies are superior? Here is my suggestion.
A number of municipalities reportedly test the models of sweepers they're interested in prior to new purchases. What I suggest is for those municipalities to document both the test material and how the test was conducted, as well as the results of those tests. They could then publish them so as to be available to other communities. WorldSweeper would be glad to publish any and all such testing articles.
These days, sweeping managers can even take a closeup video of whatever was put onto the ground, test material that should be the same for all. After each sweeper takes a crack at sweeping I suggest you make a walking video shoot of whatever was left by that machine. Then, using ChatGPT, Perplexity or another AI, you can even upload all of those 'after videos' and request a comparison rating of them.
You might even consider designing two tests: One with typical material density and amount endemic on your streets; the other with heavier material that occurs sometimes, like leaves in the Fall or snow abatement put down during Spring cleanup. That allows you to find how mechanical broom vs. air sweepers perform on each type of material. Not surprisingly, given the current data about how much better street sweeping is for pavement-based pollutant removal than any other method, some municipalities have moved to tandem sweeping programs to provide the best citizen satisfaction and environmental value.
We're in a time when the biggest sweeping tests, which you can find in the WorldSweeper Street/Studies section, have shown street sweeping to generally be 5-to-7 times more cost-effective in picking up pavement-based pollutants. Geographical areas where these tests have been conducted, as well as other states that follow their leads, are now getting valuable stormwater permit credits based upon how much material the sweepers are picking up. Isn't that worth YOUR state's while to get going? These tests have all been conclusive: street sweeping is far and away the best BMP for pavement-based pollution removal.
Over the last months my editorials have been concise as well as informative about how much better general street sweeping – even without delineating between broom and air machines – is for your environment as well as for your city's cleanliness factor. Make sure your stormwater community has now read about, and understands, this reality. Partner with them to expand your street sweeping program and, while you're at it, re-work your program to be one that has been enhanced via the latest technology and ideas available. (If you have any ideas to add, please let me know.)
Enhanced sweeping will lower your costs, provide a citizen-friendly program to move all vehicles from sweeping routes, and assist you in making sure your street sweeping and pollution removal program is as positive as possible. Keep involving your communities in ways that showcase street sweeping and emphasize the environmental value it provides. After all, pavement sweeping has been shown again and again to be "The first line of defense for pavement-based pollution removal!"
As always, if you have questions and/or any news of potential interest to the power sweeping community, please let us know. Between this publication, the WorldSweeper.com website, and the World Sweeping Association, we'll be sure to get the information passed along to interested readers.
Good Sweeping,
Editor, WorldSweeper.com
Executive Director, World Sweeping Association
Member, PAVEMENT Hall of Fame
PS If you're a contractor I urge you to check out the many benefits of membership in the World Sweeping Association. Also, if you haven't 'liked' our WorldSweeper Facebook page, what are you waiting for? That's where we offer a variety of industry previews and updates on an ongoing basis.
September/October stories or click on links below.)
- Stormwater Awareness Week's "Street Sweeping, Microplastics and More" Webinar Well Attended
- U of Minnesota Stormwater Series Keynote Speaker is Roger Sutherland
- Hydraulic Fluid and Sweepers: Risks, Prevention, and Environmental Considerations
- Mark Schwarze Moves From Victory to Stewart-Amos
- Street Sweeping and Asphalt Preservation: What the Science and Practice Really Show
- National Stormwater Day Webinar Marks Stormwater Sector Advancement
- Preparing for the Unpredictable: Practical Steps for Natural Disaster Readiness
- Educational Street Sweeper Tour with Cowboy Jack
Stormwater Awareness Week's "Street Sweeping, Microplastics and More" Webinar Well Attended
Roger Sutherland and Ranger Kidwell-Ross once again had one of the top-rated webinars at Stormwater Awareness Week, with over 150 signed up to see it live. Sutherland's portion of the webinar this year included a summary of results and implications from the July 2025 microplastics pick-up performance test. His analysis of the test protocol and results open a needed window into that process.
WorldSweeper's Editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, discussed in his portion of the hour-long webinar the many improvements that may be made to street sweeping programs to increase value, efficiency and environmental stature. Before you watch either of the presentations via one of the two links below, you may want to download a PDF of the presentation notes. You may do that at this link.
We offer this enduring link to the Zoom webinar on WorldSweeper's YouTube channel (version slightly longer and offers additional coverage of ways to enhance street sweeping programs). Or, if you'd like to see the somewhat shorter video hosted for Stormwater Awareness Week on Vimeo, use this link.(Editor's Note: You may learn more about Stormwater Awareness Week here.)
U of Minnesota Stormwater Series 2025 Keynote Speaker is Roger Sutherland
Roger Sutherland was the Keynote Speaker for the University of Minnesota's 'Stormwater Updates' series held in early October. "What I believed to be the case as early as 1975 and have been teaching for more than four decades: Street sweeping should be considered the first line of defense for removing pavement-based stormwater runoff pollution degrading our nation's waterways," says Sutherland.
His presentation, "Enhanced Street Sweeping: America's First Line of Defense in the Abatement of Urban Stormwater Pollution" allowed the street sweeping and stormwater pros in Minnesota to learn more about the game-changing studies, Sutherland's personal learning and teaching journey, and what defines an "enhanced" street sweeping program and the benefits it can provide.
After Sutherland's presentation, the link below also includes an hour-long discussion between:
Keynote Presenter: Roger C. Sutherland, PE; Principal, Cascade Water Resources, LLC
Panelist: Maggie Karschnia, Water Resources Center and Minnesota Sea Grant at the University of Minnesota
Panelist: Paula Kalinosky, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Panelist: Randy Neprash, Neprash Consulting, LLC and Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition (MCSC)
Click here to view the webinar and discussion on-demand.
Hydraulic Fluid and Sweepers: Risks, Prevention, and Environmental Considerations
Street and parking area sweepers are essential for maintaining clean and safe public spaces, but they also present unique risks – particularly when it comes to the potential for hydraulic system failures and fires.
The information provided by our Editor offers the benefits that, when utilized, help municipalities and contractors safeguard public health, protect the environment, and comply with increasingly stringent regulations, all while maintaining reliable and efficient street cleaning services.
Check out the info.
Mark Schwarze Moves From Victory to Stewart-Amos
 Stewart-Amos Sweeper Co. has appointed Mark Schwarze as Senior Director, Marketing and Market Development. Mark will lead brand strategy, product marketing, market development programs, and strategic partnerships that expand demand for Stewart-Amos sweepers.
"We are excited to welcome Mark to our organization," said Frank Chulick, President. "His unparalleled industry knowledge and strategic insight will be instrumental in driving innovation and strengthening our market presence.
Check out the press release WorldSweeper was sent.
Street Sweeping and Asphalt Preservation: What the Science and Practice Really Show
Street sweeping is a cornerstone of municipal and commercial pavement maintenance programs, touted for its multiple environmental and aesthetic benefits. Among professionals charged with maximizing pavement life and minimizing long-term costs, a crucial question emerges: What is the evidence that street sweeping meaningfully contributes to asphalt preservation, and how does it compare to other maintenance interventions?
This article by WorldSweeper's Editor offers an overview about what studies and more have to say on the topic. You will find it to be a comprehensive synthesis for street maintenance professionals, with a focus on actionable insights and the state of the science as of 2025.
Read the information.
National Stormwater Day Webinar Marks Stormwater Sector Advancement
National Stormwater Day was established to promote the many stormwater awareness campaigns at the state, regional and local levels that have the same goals as National Stormwater Day – to increase the level of awareness of stormwater as a topic and a resource, as well as to educate the public on the value of investing in stormwater management programs and infrastructure.
For the third year, the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA) is recognizing National Stormwater Day to mark the progress made in the MS4 program and gains made in the stormwater sector as well as celebrating the diligent work and efforts of stormwater professionals across the country.
This year, National Stormwater Day will be recognized on Monday, November 17 through a free webinar led by NMSA that will be held that day from 1-2pm (Eastern) to bring together stormwater professionals to recognize leading stormwater champions, provide an overview of the newly established EPA Stormwater Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technologies (CESITs), and share updates from the recent Water Environment Federation (WEF) MS4 Needs Assessment Survey.
NMSA has also established web-based platforms that provide more information on National Stormwater Day, free access to logos and other promotional material associated with National Stormwater Day, and links to other stormwater awareness efforts across the country.
Get more info and register for the event.
Preparing for the Unpredictable: Practical Steps for Natural Disaster Readiness
A natural disaster can arrive with little warning, transforming everyday life into a test of resilience. The difference between chaos and coordinated action often comes down to preparation done well in advance.
From understanding your region's unique hazards to ensuring your household has a tested plan, every step adds a layer of security. The strategies below break down readiness into focused, achievable actions that strengthen both personal and community resilience.
Read the article and learn how to prepare for an emergency.
Educational Street Sweeper Tour with Cowboy Jack
YouTube video features an educational tour of a TYMCO 600 street sweeper, designed to teach children about how these important municipal vehicles work. The video was created by Cowboy Jack, an educational children's channel that takes kids on virtual field trips to explore various machines, vehicles, and occupations.
Cowboy Jack, accompanied by his nearly six-year-old son Cowboy Kaden, visits New Horizon Street Sweeping in Conroe, Texas, to teach/learn the information. This educational content serves as an excellent introduction to municipal services and the important role that specialized vehicles play in maintaining clean, safe communities.
Check out the video and the article explaining it all.
|
