Clean Streets

Debris Removal

If there's debris or limbs in the roadway due to a storm or emergency, our Street Operations team is ready to help.

Following severe weather, the City of Independence offers special limb drop-off collection events at the Depot. These events will be promoted on our social media pages, newsletters, and/or City Council meetings.

Graffiti Removal

City crews work diligently to remove graffiti and other vandalism from City property. The Street Operations division handles the graffiti, vandalism, or defacement of public right-of-ways (streets, sidewalks, alleys) and city street signs.

• If found in the public right-of-way or on a sign, contact the Street Operations Division at 816-325-7600.
• If at city parks, buildings, facilities, or park amenities, contact the Parks and Recreation Department's Maintenance Division at 816-325-7755.
• If vandalism is in progress in the City, immediately call the Independence Police Department's non-emergency line at 816-325-7300.

Illegal Dumping

Our Street Operations crews respond to reports of large items in the City's public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks, alleys) 365 days a year. Last year, Street Operations collected more than 2,100 cubic yards of debris.

• If dumping is in the public right-of-way, contact the Street Operations Division at 816-325-7600.
• If on private property, contact Community Development's Property Maintenance Division at 816-325-7401.
• If illegal dumping is in progress in the City, immediately call the Independence Police Department's non-emergency line at 816-325-7300.

There are better ways to dispose of trash, like the Drop-off Depot, Household Hazardous Waste events in Independence, and recycling sites across the Kansas City area. 

Street Sweeping

Our street sweepers do more than just make the roads look nice; they help keep leaves, dirt, and pollution out of the storm drains, protecting our waterways and keeping things running smoothly. Last year, Street Operations swept more than 460 lane miles of roads.

Street Sweeping includes: 

• Sweeping major roads 3-4 times a year and residential roads on an as-needed basis.
• Support special events, emergencies, and parades.

Tree Trimming

Property owners are responsible for maintaining any private trees or bushes located adjacent to the public right-of-way. When trees or vegetation interfere with roads, traffic lights, street signs, streetlights, or endanger public safety, our Street Operations team is responsible for trimming or removal.

When a utility or service line runs through a tree or becomes trapped under a tree, Independence Power and Light crews respond.  

Snow and Ice Removal

When snow or ice hits, our Snow team is prepared. You'll see trucks working to restore roads to safe, drivable conditions. The level of response depends on the amount of ice or snow, the weather, and the time of day. But here's the bottom line: if roads are slippery or unsafe, we're on it.

Head to our Snow and Ice Removal page to find out more about what we do.