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Link to fact sheet on managing street sweepings - [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/w-sw4-54.pdf]
 
 
 
Street sweepings are materials such as sand, salt, leaves and debris removed from city streets, parking lots and sidewalks to prevent these materials from being washed into storm sewers and surface waters, and to improve the appearance of public roadways. For a discussion of potential benefits associated with street sweeping, see [[Overview, water quality benefits, and other co-benefits of street sweeping]].
 
Street sweepings are materials such as sand, salt, leaves and debris removed from city streets, parking lots and sidewalks to prevent these materials from being washed into storm sewers and surface waters, and to improve the appearance of public roadways. For a discussion of potential benefits associated with street sweeping, see [[Overview, water quality benefits, and other co-benefits of street sweeping]].
  
To see references for material on this page, [link here].
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To see references for material on this page, [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Composition,_characterization,_and_management_of_street_sweepings#References link here].
  
 
==Sources of materials in street sweepings==
 
==Sources of materials in street sweepings==
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Metal concentrations are below Tier 1 Soil Reference Values (SRV), with only lead (25%), arsenic (35.6%), and cadmium (50.8%) median concentrations being 25 percent or more of the SRV. Maximum concentrations of lead and arsenic exceeded the Tier 1 SRV in one study each. Median metal concentrations were below the soil leaching value (SLV), with maximum arsenic concentration exceeding the SLV in one study. Generally, concentrations of metals in street sweepings are not significantly different from concentrations in green wastes and green/food composts.
 
Metal concentrations are below Tier 1 Soil Reference Values (SRV), with only lead (25%), arsenic (35.6%), and cadmium (50.8%) median concentrations being 25 percent or more of the SRV. Maximum concentrations of lead and arsenic exceeded the Tier 1 SRV in one study each. Median metal concentrations were below the soil leaching value (SLV), with maximum arsenic concentration exceeding the SLV in one study. Generally, concentrations of metals in street sweepings are not significantly different from concentrations in green wastes and green/food composts.
  
We found limited datasets containing information for organic chemicals, but there are several studies where organics were sampled and results described in the paper (Obrien, 2014; Lloyd et al., 2018; Miller et al., 2016; Sutherland et al., 2012; . In general, diesel range organic (DRO) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations are elevated in street sweepings. Proper composting results in degradation of these compounds below levels of concern. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are elevated in street sweepings, with occasional exceedance of Tier 1 SRVs for PAH equivalents. Composting will not effectively lead to degradation of middle- and heavy-molecular weight PAHs.
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We found limited datasets containing information for organic chemicals, but there are several studies where organics were sampled and results described in the paper (Obrien, 2014; Lloyd et al., 2018; Miller et al., 2016; Sutherland et al., 2012; Walch, 2006). In general, diesel range organic (DRO) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations are elevated in street sweepings. Proper composting results in degradation of these compounds below levels of concern. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are elevated in street sweepings, with occasional exceedance of Tier 1 SRVs for PAH equivalents. Composting will not effectively lead to degradation of middle- and heavy-molecular weight PAHs.
  
 
==Storing, screening, using, and disposing sweeping material==
 
==Storing, screening, using, and disposing sweeping material==
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References
 
References
 
*[https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/05/14/street-sweepings.pdf Massachusetts]
 
*[https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/05/14/street-sweepings.pdf Massachusetts]
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*[https://wastewater101.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Street-Sweeping-Fact-Sheet-ST0314LSWP.pdf Indiana]
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*[https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/waste_management_and_disposal/solid_waste/streetsweepingspdf.pdf Connecticut]
  
 
===Screening street sweepings===
 
===Screening street sweepings===
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*[https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/31076 Ohio]
 
*[https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/31076 Ohio]
 
*[https://www.in.gov/idem/files/factsheet_olq_regulated_street_sweeping.pdf Indiana]
 
*[https://www.in.gov/idem/files/factsheet_olq_regulated_street_sweeping.pdf Indiana]
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The following table summarizes potential management options for sweeping material.
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{{:Street sweeping management options}}
  
 
==Testing street sweepings==
 
==Testing street sweepings==
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==References==
 
==References==
*Apeagyei, E., Bank, M.S., and Spengler, J.D. Distribution of Heavy Metals in Road Dust Along an Urban-Rural Gradient In Massachusetts. Atmospheric Environment, Vol. 45, No. 13, 2011, pp. 2310–2323.
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*Apeagyei, E., Bank, M.S., and Spengler, J.D. 2011. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231010009702 Distribution of Heavy Metals in Road Dust Along an Urban-Rural Gradient In Massachusetts]. Atmospheric Environment. 45:13:2310–2323.
*Breault, R.F., K.P. Smith, and J.R. Sorenson. 2005. Residential Street-Dirt Accumulation Rates and Chemical Composition, and Removal Efficiencies by Mechanical- and Vacuum-Type Sweepers, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 2003-04. USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5184.
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*Baciocchi, R., G. Costa, and I. Verginelli. 2018. [http://uest.ntua.gr/naxos2018/proceedings/presentation/08-Baciocchi_Naxos2018_rev.pdf Characterization of road sweeping waste in view of developing specific strategies to enhance its valorisation]. 6th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Naxos Island, Greece, 13–16 June 2018.
*Duong, T.T.T., and Lee, B.K. Determining Contamination Level of Heavy Metals in Road Dust From Busy Traffic Areas With Different Characteristics. Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 92, No. 3, 2011, pp. 554–562.
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*Breault, R.F., K.P. Smith, and J.R. Sorenson. 2005. [https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2005/5184/pdf/SIR2005_5184_all.pdf Residential Street-Dirt Accumulation Rates and Chemical Composition, and Removal Efficiencies by Mechanical- and Vacuum-Type Sweepers, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 2003-04]. USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5184.
*Gunawardana, C., Egodawatta, P., and Goonetilleke, A. Role of Particle Size and Composition in Metal Adsorption by Solids Deposited on Urban Road Surfaces. Environmental Pollution, Vol. 184, 2014, pp. 44–53.  
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*Duong, T.T.T., and Lee, B.K. 2011. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479710002963 Determining Contamination Level of Heavy Metals in Road Dust From Busy Traffic Areas With Different Characteristics]. Journal of Environmental Management. 92:3:554–562.
*Gunawardana, C., Goonetilleke, A., Egodawatta, P., Dawes, L., and Kokot, S. Role of Solids in Heavy Metals Buildup on Urban Road Surfaces. Journal of Environmental Engineering, Vol. 138, Issue 4, April 2012, pp. 490–498.
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*Gunawardana, C., Egodawatta, P., and Goonetilleke, A. 2014. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749113004351 Role of Particle Size and Composition in Metal Adsorption by Solids Deposited on Urban Road Surfaces]. Environmental Pollution. 184:44–53.  
*Herngren, L., Goonetilleke, A., and Ayoko, G.A. Analysis of Heavy Metals in Road-Deposited Sediments. Analytica Chimica Acta, Vol. 571, No. 2, 2006, pp. 270–278.
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*Gunawardana, C., Goonetilleke, A., Egodawatta, P., Dawes, L., and Kokot, S. 2012. [https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%29EE.1943-7870.0000487 Role of Solids in Heavy Metals Buildup on Urban Road Surfaces]. Journal of Environmental Engineering. 138:4:490–498.
*Irvine, K.N., Perrelli, M.F., Ngoen-Klan, R., and Droppo, I.G. Metal Levels in Street Sediment From an Industrial City: Spatial Trends, Chemical Fractionation, and Management Implications. Journal of Soils and Sediments, Vol. 9, No. 4, 2009, pp. 328–341.  
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*Herngren, L., Goonetilleke, A., and Ayoko, G.A. 2006. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003267006009019 Analysis of Heavy Metals in Road-Deposited Sediments]. Analytica Chimica Acta. 571:2:270–278.
*Lau, S.L., and Stenstrom, M.K. Metals and PAHs Adsorbed to Street Particles. Water Research, Vol. 39, No. 17, 2005, pp. 4083–4092.
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*Irvine, K.N., Perrelli, M.F., Ngoen-Klan, R., and Droppo, I.G. 2009. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225470324_Metal_levels_in_street_sediment_from_an_industrial_city_Spatial_trends_chemical_fractionation_and_management_implications Metal Levels in Street Sediment From an Industrial City: Spatial Trends, Chemical Fractionation, and Management Implications]. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 9:4:328–341.  
*Liu, A., Liu, L., Li, D., and Guan, Y. Characterizing Heavy Metal Build-Up on Urban Road Surfaces: Implication for Stormwater Reuse. Science of the Total Environment, Vol. 515–516, 2015, pp. 20–29.
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*Lau, S.L., and Stenstrom, M.K. 2005. [https://www.academia.edu/48744399/Metals_and_PAHs_adsorbed_to_street_particles Metals and PAHs Adsorbed to Street Particles]. Water Research. 39:17:4083–4092.
*Liu, L., Liu, A., Li, Y., Zhang, L., Zhang, G., and Guan, Y. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Associated With Road Deposited Solid and Their Ecological Risk: Implications for Road Stormwater Reuse. Science of the Total Environment, Vol. 563–564, 2016, pp. 190–198.
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*Liu, A., Liu, L., Li, D., and Guan, Y. 2015. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896971500162X Characterizing Heavy Metal Build-Up on Urban Road Surfaces: Implication for Stormwater Reuse]. Science of the Total Environment. 515–516:20–29.
*Lloyd, L.N., G.M. Fitch, T.S. Singh, J.A. Smith. 2018. Characterization of Residuals Collected From Street Sweeping Operations. Virginia Transportation Research Council. Report VTRC 18-R20.
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*Liu, L., Liu, A., Li, Y., Zhang, L., Zhang, G., and Guan, Y. 2016. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969716308099 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Associated With Road Deposited Solid and Their Ecological Risk: Implications for Road Stormwater Reuse]. Science of the Total Environment. 563–564:190–198.
*Miller, C.M., Iv, W.H.S., and Kennedy, M. Procedures for Waste Management From Street Sweeping and Stormwater Systems: Interim Report. State Job Number 134731. Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Research, Akron, 2013.  
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*Lloyd, L.N., G.M. Fitch, T.S. Singh, J.A. Smith. 2018. [https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/35101 Characterization of Residuals Collected From Street Sweeping Operations]. Virginia Transportation Research Council. Report VTRC 18-R20.
*Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Managing Street Sweepings. W-Sw4-54. Rochester, 2010.  
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*Miller, C.M., Iv, W.H.S., and Kennedy, M. 2013. [https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/31076 Procedures for Waste Management From Street Sweeping and Stormwater Systems: Interim Report]. State Job Number 134731. Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Research, Akron, 2013.  
*Minnicino, M.J., Draper, D.R., Dresden Robin Terrasciences, I., and Jersey City, N.J. Analysis of Urban Street Sweepings in New Jersey and Their Reuse Feasibility. Air and Waste Managment Association, Vol. 4B, 1993.  
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*Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/w-sw4-54.pdf Managing Street Sweepings]. W-Sw4-54. Rochester, 2010.  
*Obrien, A.M. Beneficial Use Determination (BUD-20130829) for Screened Street Sweeping Fines. BUD-20130829. Department of Environmental Quality, Northwest Region, Portland, OR, 2014.
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*Minnicino, M.J., Draper, D.R., Dresden Robin Terrasciences, I., and Jersey City, N.J. 1993. ''Analysis of Urban Street Sweepings in New Jersey and Their Reuse Feasibility''. Air and Waste Managment Association. Vol. 4B.
*Seattle Public Utilities and Herrera Environmental Consultants. Seattle Street Sweeping Pilot Study: Pilot Monitoring Report. AB/06-03381-000. Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle, WA, 2009.  
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*Obrien, A.M. 2014. [https://www.oregon.gov/deq/FilterDocs/BUD-CWSEvaluation.pdf Beneficial Use Determination (BUD-20130829) for Screened Street Sweeping Fines. BUD-20130829]. Department of Environmental Quality, Northwest Region, Portland, OR.
*Sengupta, S. Processing and Reuse of Street Sweeping and Catch Basin Cleaning. SPRII.01.12. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, North Dartmouth, 2007.  
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*Seattle Public Utilities and Herrera Environmental Consultants. 2009 ''Seattle Street Sweeping Pilot Study: Pilot Monitoring Report''. AB/06-03381-000. Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle, WA.
*Sole, M. Guidance for the Management of Street Sweepings, Catch Basin Sediments and Stormwater System Sediments: Final Report. Department of Environmental Protection, Solid Waste Section, Tallahassee, FL, 2004.
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*Sengupta, S. 2007. [https://trid.trb.org/view/1597498 Processing and Reuse of Street Sweeping and Catch Basin Cleaning]. SPRII.01.12. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, North Dartmouth.
*Sutherland, R.A., Tack, F.M.G., and Ziegler, A.D. Road-Deposited Sediments in an Urban Environment: A First Look at Sequentially Extracted Element Loads in Grain Size Fractions. Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 225–226, 2012, pp. 54–62.  
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*Sole, M. 2004. [https://floridadep.gov/waste/permitting-compliance-assistance/documents/guidance-management-street-sweepings-catch-basin Guidance for the Management of Street Sweepings, Catch Basin Sediments and Stormwater System Sediments: Final Report]. Department of Environmental Protection, Solid Waste Section, Tallahassee, FL.
*Thorpe, A., and Harrison, R.M. Sources and Properties of Non-Exhaust Particulate Matter From Road Traffic: A Review. Science of the Total Environment, Vol. 400, Issue 1–3, 2008, pp. 270–282.  
+
*Sutherland, R.A., Tack, F.M.G., and Ziegler, A.D. 2012. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22609391/ Road-Deposited Sediments in an Urban Environment: A First Look at Sequentially Extracted Element Loads in Grain Size Fractions]. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 225–226:54–62.
*Tian, P., Li, Y., and Yang, Z. Effect of Rainfall and Antecedent Dry Periods on Heavy Metal Loading of Sediments on Urban Roads. Frontiers of Earth Science in China, Vol. 3, No. 3, 2009, pp. 297–302.  
+
*Thorpe, A., and Harrison, R.M. 2008. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896970800658X Sources and Properties of Non-Exhaust Particulate Matter From Road Traffic: A Review]. Science of the Total Environment, Vol. 400:1–3:270–282.
*Townsend, T.G., Jang, Y.-C., Thurdekoos, P., Booth, M., Jain, P., and Tolaymat, T. Characterization of Street Sweepings, Stormwater Sediments, and Catch Basin Sediments, in Florida for Disposal and Reuse. Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Gainesville, 2002.  
+
*Tian, P., Li, Y., and Yang, Z. 2009. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225612123_Effect_of_rainfall_and_antecedent_dry_periods_on_heavy_metal_loading_of_sediments_on_urban_roads Effect of Rainfall and Antecedent Dry Periods on Heavy Metal Loading of Sediments on Urban Roads]. Frontiers of Earth Science in China. 3:3:297–302.
*Townsend, T.G., Azah, E., and Kim, H. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Impact on Beneficial Use of Roadway and Stormwater Residuals: Final Report. Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Gainesville, 2013.
+
*Townsend, T.G., Jang, Y.-C., Thurdekoos, P., Booth, M., Jain, P., and Tolaymat, T. 2002. [https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/CHARACTERIZATION-OF-STREET-SWEEPINGS-%2C-STORMWATER-%2C-Townsend/4d6d864da21782a6cc8fb4b37caa321a21b597c8 Characterization of Street Sweepings, Stormwater Sediments, and Catch Basin Sediments, in Florida for Disposal and Reuse]. Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Gainesville.
*Wang, C., Li, Y., Liu, J., Xiang, L., Shi, J., and Yang, Z. Characteristics of PAHs Adsorbed on Street Dust and the Correlation With Specific Surface Area and TOC. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Vol. 169, Issues 1–4, 2010, pp. 661–670.  
+
*Townsend, T.G., Azah, E., and Kim, H. 2013. ''Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Impact on Beneficial Use of Roadway and Stormwater Residuals: Final Report''. Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Gainesville.
*Wijesiri, B., Egodawatta, P., Mcgree, J., and Goonetilleke, A. Process Variability of Pollutant Build-Up on Urban Road Surfaces. Science of the Total Environment, Vol. 518–519, 2015, pp. 434–440.29
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*Walch, M. 2006. [https://deldot.gov/Programs/stormwater/pdfs/Walch_SolidWasteConf06.pdf Monitoring of Contaminants in Delaware Street Sweeping Residuals and Evaluation of Recycling/Disposal Options].  21st  Inter. Conf. On Solid Waste Technology. And Management Philadelphia, PA, March 26-29, 2006.
*Yuen, J.Q., Olin, P.H., Lim, H.S., Benner, S.G., Sutherland, R.A., and Ziegler, A.D. Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Road Deposited Sediments in Residential and Light Industrial Neighborhoods of Singapore. Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 101, 2012, pp. 151–163.
+
*Wang, C., Li, Y., Liu, J., Xiang, L., Shi, J., and Yang, Z. 2010. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38044902_Characteristics_of_PAHs_adsorbed_on_street_dust_and_the_correlation_with_specific_surface_area_and_TOC Characteristics of PAHs Adsorbed on Street Dust and the Correlation With Specific Surface Area and TOC]. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 169:1–4:661–670.
 +
*Wijesiri, B., Egodawatta, P., Mcgree, J., and Goonetilleke, A. 2015. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969715002806 Process Variability of Pollutant Build-Up on Urban Road Surfaces]. Science of the Total Environment. 518–519:434–440.
 +
*Yuen, J.Q., Olin, P.H., Lim, H.S., Benner, S.G., Sutherland, R.A., and Ziegler, A.D. 2012. ''Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Road Deposited Sediments in Residential and Light Industrial Neighborhoods of Singapore''. Journal of Environmental Management. 101:151–163.
  
  

Latest revision as of 16:16, 22 September 2022

Street sweepings are materials such as sand, salt, leaves and debris removed from city streets, parking lots and sidewalks to prevent these materials from being washed into storm sewers and surface waters, and to improve the appearance of public roadways. For a discussion of potential benefits associated with street sweeping, see Overview, water quality benefits, and other co-benefits of street sweeping.

To see references for material on this page, link here.

Sources of materials in street sweepings

The primary sources of materials in street sweepings include the following.

  • Automobiles and other vehicles. These are important sources of hydrocarbons associated with fluids (e.g. oil, gasoline, antifreeze) and metals associated with vehicle parts (e.g. brake linings, tire wear). These materials, particularly metals, are typically released at higher rates as vehicle speed increases and as the extent of stopping increases.
  • Vegetation. Trees and grass adjacent to impermeable surfaces are important sources of organic materials to impervious surfaces that are swept. These organic materials are important sources of phosphorus and nitrogen, may contribute to oxygen demand, and may act as source areas for bacteria.
  • Atmospheric deposition. Deposition is an important source of inorganic solids. This includes deposition from near-source and distant-source areas. These solids may be important sources of pollutants attached to the solids, including metals, PAHs, and a range of emerging chemicals (e.g. pesticides, microplastics).
  • Local sources. This includes a wide range of sources that may have significant impacts locally. Examples include active construction sites (sources of sediment), industry (sources of organics), and contaminated sites (e.g. salvage yards, vehicle operations facilities, waste management facilities).
  • Trash and debris. With streets that are frequently swept, trash is typically not an important source of pollutants. However, in some areas where inputs of these are high, or where sweeping is infrequent, thus allowing the materials to break down, trash and debris can be important contributors of certain pollutants, such as microplastics.
  • Exposed and poorly managed soils. Soil, when exposed, poorly managed, or on steep slopes, can be an important source of sediment. Unless the soil is associated with another source (e.g. metals in high transportation areas), eroded soil transported to impervious surfaces is not an important source of other pollutants.
  • Irrigated lawns. Lawns that are over-watered can be important sources of bacteria, organic material, and phosphorus if the source water contains polyphosphates.
  • De-icing materials and sand applied for traction. In cold climates, de-icing materials are important sources of chloride, sodium, and phosphorus. Sand applied for traction is an important source of sediment.

Composition and characteristics of street sweeping materials

The composition and characteristics of street sweepings depends on multiple factors, including but not limited to the following. The discussion describes typical conditions.

  • Source area (land use). Concentrations of metals, PAHs, and other organics, including many emerging chemicals, are higher in medium and high intensity developed land uses, such as industrial, heavy commercial, and high transportation areas, compared to lower intensity developed areas, such as residential areas. Sources of nutrients associated with organic material are greatest in residential areas.
  • Type of sweeper.
  • Time of year.
  • Buildup period/interval.
  • Soil. An important factor affecting the occurrence and distribution of pollutants in sweeping material is particle size. Concentrations of metals and organics that bind with inorganic sediment increase as particle size decreases. Thus, soil can locally play an important role in the composition of material accumulating on impervious surfaces, particularly when soils are exposed (e.g. active construction sites) or poorly managed (e.g. compacted or exposed soils, or soils on steep slopes).

Concentrations of potential pollutants in sweeping material

We conducted a limited literature review of chemical data for street sweepings. The data are summarized in the adjacent table.

Metal concentrations are below Tier 1 Soil Reference Values (SRV), with only lead (25%), arsenic (35.6%), and cadmium (50.8%) median concentrations being 25 percent or more of the SRV. Maximum concentrations of lead and arsenic exceeded the Tier 1 SRV in one study each. Median metal concentrations were below the soil leaching value (SLV), with maximum arsenic concentration exceeding the SLV in one study. Generally, concentrations of metals in street sweepings are not significantly different from concentrations in green wastes and green/food composts.

We found limited datasets containing information for organic chemicals, but there are several studies where organics were sampled and results described in the paper (Obrien, 2014; Lloyd et al., 2018; Miller et al., 2016; Sutherland et al., 2012; Walch, 2006). In general, diesel range organic (DRO) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations are elevated in street sweepings. Proper composting results in degradation of these compounds below levels of concern. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are elevated in street sweepings, with occasional exceedance of Tier 1 SRVs for PAH equivalents. Composting will not effectively lead to degradation of middle- and heavy-molecular weight PAHs.

Storing, screening, using, and disposing sweeping material

There is limited guidance in the literature on management of street sweepings. This page summarizes information found in the literature and may be useful as guidance for managing sweepings.

Storage

  • Storage should be
    • at the site where the sweepings are generated (e.g. at a parking area that was swept);
    • at a location, such as a Department of Public Works (DPW) yard, that is under the control of the governmental entity doing the sweeping or has contracted for the sweeping; or,
    • at other locations with prior written approval from the local governing authority.
  • Street Sweepings should be protected from wind and rain to the extent necessary to prevent dust, erosion, and off-site migration.
  • Street Sweepings should not be stored within the 100 foot buffer zone of a wetland or within wetland resource areas including bordering vegetative wetlands and riverfront areas.
  • Street Sweepings should not be stored within 500 feet of a ground or surface drinking water supply.
  • Storage of the Street Sweepings should incorporate good management practice and result in no public nuisance.
  • Street Sweepings should be used within one year of collection.

References

Screening street sweepings

Three waste streams are generated during the screening phase - solid waste, organic debris, and sediment.

Solid waste, such as paper, auto parts and other trash, should be removed from all street sweepings prior to use. Solid waste screened from the street sweepings should be disposed of at a permitted solid waste facility. Leaves, twigs and other organic matter should also be removed when good engineering practice indicates this is necessary to produce a material that is suitable for the intended use. The organic material may be composted. If the compost is to be reused, ensure it has been properly cured or aged. This ensures the removal of pathogens and degradation of light and medium molecular weight organic compounds. For guidance on compost maturity, including links to guidelines for composting, link here.

A 3/4-inch mesh will screen out much of the debris from collected street sweepings prior to mixing. If a municipality chooses to rinse the sweepings to remove the fine particles and debris so that the sand may be reused on roads during the following winter, contact local authorities for additional guidance and discharge requirements.

Screened materials should be stored following the guidelines described above.

Using and disposing sweepings

A fact sheet by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency outlines management options for reuse of street sweepings. Much of the discussion in this section comes from this fact sheet. Note this fact sheet was last updated in 2010.

Street sweepings are not considered hazardous material and do not require testing, but they are not suitable for unrestricted use, even after screening. Sweepings cannot be disposed at the following:

  • playgrounds;
  • children’s play areas;
  • residential yards;
  • areas where human contact occurs on a continuous basis;
  • areas near drinking water wells;
  • wellhead protection areas for public drinking-water supplies; and
  • sites with karst features, including sinkholes, disappearing streams and caves.

Prior to reuse, trash, leaves and other debris must be removed from the sweepings. This removal is often accomplished by screening, but other methods may also be used. Dispose of trash and debris removed from the sweepings by

  • recycling, such as aluminum cans;
  • composting, such as leaves; or
  • sending to a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (MSW) immediately after being screened.

Street sweepings that are not screened for trash and debris are considered industrial solid waste and must be disposed of at a permitted solid waste facility that can accept the waste. Unscreened street sweepings must also be stored in accordance with solid waste storage standards (Minn. R. 7035.2855).

If street sweepings are screened prior to being stockpiled, they are exempt from Minnesota solid waste storage standards. Street sweepings can be reused in any of the following ways without MPCA approval, provided that all solid waste has been screened from the sweepings.

  • Mix with new salt/sand mixture for winter application to roads, parking lots or sidewalks
  • Use as daily cover material at a permitted solid waste landfill, provided that the landfill is approved to use street sweepings as Alternate Daily Cover (ADC).
  • Use as material in commercial and industrial development projects, road restoration or construction projects.

If sweepings are used as cover or fill, they must meet the following requirements.

  • Separation distances
    • 200 feet from lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, intermittent streams, tile inlets, and karst features
    • 3 feet from groundwater
    • 3 feet from fractured bedrock
    • 50 feet from potable water supplies
  • Seed or cover
    • Within 7 days on slopes greater than 3:1
    • Within 14 days on slopes between 10:1 and 3:1
    • Within 21 days on slopes flatter than 10:1

Other entities (e.g. states, cities) have similar information about managing street sweepings, with some differences from Minnesota. Below are links to documents describing how sweepings are managed in other locations.

The following table summarizes potential management options for sweeping material.

Street sweeping management options
Link to this table

Disposal option Description
Disposed at solid waste landfill Street sweepings are gathered, stockpiled, and hauled to a municipal solid waste landfill or private disposal site.
Garbage/debris to landfill Street sweeping material is screened and garbage/debris (non-recyclable or non-organic trash materials) are separated and landfilled.
Reuse: Compost Street sweeping material is screened and organic materials (e.g., fall leaves) are composted.
Reuse: Recycling Street sweeping material is screened and recyclable materials (e.g., metal, paper, glass, aluminum cans) are disposed via recycling.
Reuse: Alternate daily cover (ADC) Street sweeping material is screened for removal of recyclable materials, organic materials, and trash. The remaining fines/dirt are used as alternate daily cover (ADC) at landfill sites.
Reuse: Fill dirt Street sweeping material is screened for removal of recyclable materials, organic materials, and trash. The remaining material is used in commercial or industrial development, road restoration, or construction projects. The fill is intended to be used for an engineered purpose.
Reuse: Subgrade material Street sweeping material is screened for sand, which is used as subgrade material.
Reuse: Aggregate in concrete or asphalt Street sweeping material is screened for removal of recyclable materials, organic materials, and trash. The remaining material can be used as aggregate for concrete or asphalt.
Reuse: Winter application Street sweeping material is screened for removal of recyclable materials, organic materials, and trash. The screened sand is mixed with salt/sand mixture for winter application to roads, parking lots or sidewalks.
Reuse: Bulking agent Street sweeping material is screened for removal of recyclable materials, organic materials, and trash and remaining material is used as a bulking agent for wastewater sludge or septage disposal. The mixed material is disposed in a permitted lined or unlined sludge or septage landfill.
Reuse: Spill cleanups Street sweeping material is screened for removal of recyclable materials, organic materials, and trash. Street sweepings that have been determined to be non-hazardous may be used as absorptive material to contain or to absorb hazardous materials in emergency situations.
Reuse: Waste to energy Street sweeping material is screened for removal of recyclable materials, organic materials, and trash. The larger trash and organic materials (e.g., vegetation) can be used in a waste to energy facility to produce electricity.

Testing street sweepings

Testing is not required for the uses described above. You may choose to test sweepings if the following conditions apply.

  • You suspect the sweepings may fail hazardous waste criteria
  • Local testing requirements exist for using the material

If you are testing to determine water, phosphorus, or organic content for use with phosphorus credit calculator, see Methods for sampling street sweeping material - Standard Operating Procedures.

Results of survey on managing street sweepings

We conducted a survey of stakeholders who conduct street sweeping, mostly at the municipality level. Survey questions included the following.

  • Which of the following best describes how do you manage your sweepings?
    • Not screened; landfilled
    • Screened; Sweepings are screened and the organic portion utilized
    • Depending on season or other factors we screen sometimes and not other times
    • Other
  • If you utilize the organic portion, how is it used?
    • Composted and used as cover (e.g. at landfills, construction sites, etc.)
    • Composted and made available for residents
    • Given or delivered to another entity (e.g. a composting facility)
    • Other uses
  • If you were to significantly increase the amount of organic material you collect from sweeping, how big a challenge would managing the material be?
    • A big challenge
    • Somewhat of a challenge
    • Not a challenge
    • I'm not sure

Results

References

This page was last edited on 22 September 2022, at 16:16.