Sweeper Shines Bright at Parade of Lights

20-plus trees were rooted along Fort Worth's Fourth Street Trailhead at the lower West Fork of the Trinity River. A second tree planting event was held on November 14 along the River Park Trailhead at Clearfork. In all, over 50 new trees along the Trinity Trails were planted, adding more shade, beauty, and natural life to Fort Worth. This event marked the first of many tree planting events that TRWD has in store as part of its Recreation Master Plan. 

Keep Fort Worth Beautiful was proud to take part in this meaningful effort alongside local partners and community members, to make our city greener and healthier for future generations. Read more about TRWD's Recreation Master Plan and future tree planting events. ​

Recycle Right for a Greener Holiday Season

The holiday season prompts many people to order online, buy new and shiny items, and out-decorate their neighbors. Discarded items such as cardboard boxes, packaging, gift wrap, and decorations are often overlooked. Rethink the holidays this year and consider what gift-giving means for our environment, especially when it comes to recycling.

Recycling holiday items is simple. There are basic items accepted in Fort Worth that can be placed in the blue recycling cart. These include cardboard boxes, paper, plain or undecorated greeting cards, plain kraft paper or paper gift bags, glass bottles and jars, metal or aluminum cans, and plastic bottles or jugs. 

Keep these out of the blue recycling cart:

• Shiny, metallic, glitter-covered, or textured wrapping paper. 
• Ribbons, bows, tinsel, cords, string lights, or garland
• Broken ornaments, decor, and artificial trees
• Plastic bags and stretchy film
• Food-soiled items like pizza boxes or disposable plates

These items can damage equipment or contaminate other recyclables.

Celebrate sustainability this season:

• Save gift bags, boxes, and ribbons to reuse next year.
• Reuse your decor and donate gently used items.
• Get creative - use newspapers, maps, or kraft paper to wrap gifts.
• Shop with reusable tote bags and avoid single-use packaging when possible.
• Rethink your waste and dispose of it properly.

If you are unsure which items can be recycled, download the Fort Worth Garbage & Recycling App and check them on your mobile device. For more information about recycling, visit fortworthtexas.gov/recycles.

Your Guide to Air Quality in Fort Worth

Clean air is vital to our health, safety and quality of life, and the City of Fort is committed to caring for our Cowtown air.

Through the Environmental Services Department, the City monitors local air quality by inspecting facilities, responding to community concerns, and working closely with partners such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Because air quality involves many contributing factors, it can be challenging without clear reliable information. To better understand local air quality, Fort Worth residents can view the City of Fort Worth Air Quality FAQ. This simple, easy-to-use resource helps explain common air topics, such as ozone, emissions, and reporting odors or suspected chemical releases.

By staying informed, every resident can play a role in keeping Fort Worth's air clean and health. To learn more about air quality in Fort Worth, visit the Air Quality website.

Keep Your Pipes Merry

& Bright!

Cease the Grease! The City of Fort Worth is once again participating in the annual NCTCOG Holiday Grease Roundup, now through January 25, 2026. Thanksgiving may be over, but many Fort Worth residents still have many gatherings planned with family and friends. Festive meals add to the fun, but comes something less festive: leftover fats, oils, and grease, otherwise known at FOGs.

Don't pour it down the drain. Even small amounts can cause blockage, sewage overflows, pipe bursts, and home flooding. Bring your FOGs, in a sealed container or jar, to a City Drop-Off Station or to the Environmental Collection Center. It's free and easy!

Properly disposing of FOGs can prevent costly plumbing issues and allows for them to be repurposed for other uses - keeping Fort Worth's pipes (and holidays) running smoothly. Responsibly disposing of FOGs and cease the grease this holiday season! Learn more about the Holiday Grease Roundup. 

Only Rain in the Drain

With recent drops in temperatures, many residents are seeing more fallen leaves in their yards and neighborhoods. Many homeowners have already started preparing their yards for winter - cutting grass, trimming branches, and raking leaves as they drop. Be proactive and remove the fallen leaves and trimmings from the streets and sidewalks so they do not end up in the storm drains.

High winds can blow leaves and small brush into streets and end up washing into storm drains when it rains. This can cause street flooding, blockage to sewer systems and, although they eventually decompose, may harm aquatic ecosystems. Learn more about Stormwater Quality and prevention.