To coincide with the city of Fort Worth’s So Safe, So Clean, So Green budget theme of 2024, litter control efforts have been reorganized under the new environmental services department, which has a goal of removing 20 million pounds of litter in the new year.

The backstory

According to a city news release, the city exceeded its litter collection goal of 11.5 million total pounds of litter and debris by collecting 19.9 million pounds in 2023. Additional program accomplishments include:
  • Cleaning up 7,842 illegal dumpsites and 742 illegal campsites
  • Increasing contracted litter abatement crews from two to 10
  • Implementing a weekly, quadrant-based plan to maximize impacts
  • Installing a litter control device to demonstrate aquatic litter control tools in Lake Como
  • Enacting a new abandoned shopping cart ordinance, effective last July
Additionally, the news release states that Keep Fort Worth Beautiful—the city’s beautification, waste reduction and sustainability program—facilitated communitywide cleanup events with Neighborhood Litter Stomp in October, the Cowtown Great American Cleanup in March and other special cleanup events.

The specifics

Additional resources were identified as part of the fiscal year 2022-23 budget with regard to ramping up street sweeping and litter control along highways in the city limits in 2024. According to the news release, funds were identified to purchase 12 new street sweepers, expected to be delivered in spring 2024. The city has partnered with TxDOT to pilot a program that will increase the frequency of litter pickup along Fort Worth’s highways. In addition, city staff is exploring potential partnerships with neighboring entities, such as DFW Airport, North Texas Tollway Authority and city of Arlington to increase levels of service.


What you need to know

Residents are encouraged to control litter at its source. According to the news release, residents can report litter by calling the City Call Center at 817-392-1234 or using the MyFW app. Residents can also join litter cleanup efforts by emailing Keep Fort Worth Beautiful or by contacting the Call Center.

Quote of note

“Litter control is everyone’s responsibility, and our staff are thrilled to help lead by example as we work with partners, our residents and visitors to create and maintain a clean, safe and green Fort Worth,” said Oneil Johnson, an environmental services superintendent who oversees litter control operations. “We hope everyone can do their part to stop litter by controlling litter sources, to pick it up and to report it—join us on this journey to promote our community.”