What Is a Street Sweeper?

A street sweeper is someone who keeps the streets clean and free of debris, for safety, aesthetic, and health reasons. Usually, no special education is required to become a street sweeper, although many hold high school diplomas, and training is provided on the job. Street sweepers can work for government agencies such as the public works department in addition to private companies which offer street sweeping services.

Historically, street sweepers literally swept the streets with brooms and dustbins, removing debris to keep the streets and sidewalks clean. In the modern era, most street sweepers operate street sweeping machines which have automated the process. These large machines include brooms and powerwashers to clean the streets, and they typically run set routes at scheduled times to ensure that all of the streets in a city are cleaned, although alleys may not be covered because the sweeping machines may not fit.

Street sweepers who work by hand are still found in some regions of the world. These street sweepers handle both streets and sidewalks with brooms and debris collectors. They can also work in private parking lots and on the grounds of private companies, ensuring that trafficked areas are kept clean and tidy. Amusement parks, for example, employ an army of street sweepers to keep streets and paths clean for the enjoyment of guests.