4 Steps to a Cleaner, Litter Free Parking Lot/Grounds.

You need the co-operation of everyone involved in the year round maintenance of your parking lot/grounds to provide for a cleaner, litter free property.

1. It all starts with the landscapers. They should be first in for Spring Cleanup. This is the only time of year they should be permitted to sweep or blow material from the landscape onto the parking lot, since the lot will be power swept soon after. It's not acceptable for grass clippings to be discharged from a mower onto a clean parking lot or sidewalks. They need to direct the clippings back towards the landscape.

2. Power or pressure washing should be next. The sidewalks are washed of dust, gravel and any ice melt residue. This material is washed out from the sidewalk onto the parking lot where it will be swept up by the power sweeper.

3. The type of power sweeping can vary dramatically. A quick sweep will only provide for a sweep where the machine can operate. A dry sweep is one without water to control dust. You need a wet sweep with an advance crew who will scrape or blow out material into the pathway of the sweeper.

4. Last but not least is your year round litter pick program. Parking lot litter cleanup is most often a daily service provided between power sweepings to maintain your property (sidewalks, parking lot and landscape) litter free. It's an economical service performed on foot using simple hand tools. The ideal time for this service to be provided is after hours or before the start of the business day. You can't expect the best service if someone is doing this during the day with vehicles parked on the lot. A dedicated parking lot cleanup service should be provided daily or no less than three days per week. Larger retail properties require more frequent service to maintain than smaller office or industrial properties.

A clean, litter free property is the expectation of not only your tenants but also of the community. It's the first impression made on the public about your company. It's money and time well invested.

Quality Maintenance Inc., has been providing litter control or parking lot litter cleanup in Calgary, Alberta since 1985. Contact them for a free estimate. Email: qualitymaintenance@telus.net Phone: 403 236 7551 Website: www.qualitymaintenanceinc.ca