The Department of Public Works was established in 1874. The Department is responsible for collection and disposal of waste, street maintenance, engineering, snow and ice removal, installation and maintenance of traffic signs and markings on city streets and vehicle repair and maintenance.
The Solid Waste Division in previous years collected more than 600,000 tons of waste and spreads as much as 77,000 tons of salt during an average winter.
The divisions within the Department are Solid Waste, Street Maintenance, City Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Commercial Refuse Accounts.
The City Charter provides for the appointment, by the Mayor, of a director and deputy director. The director is responsible for establishing policies and procedures for the operation of the department. The Department of Public Works shall:
1. Provide for the management and collection of garbage and debris.
2. Except as otherwise provided by law or charter, cooperation with other City departments and regional agencies to enforce environmental ordinances of the City of Detroit Code and other environmental statues.
3. Provide for the construction, maintenance and engineering design of streets, alleys and public buildings.
4. Plan, establish and maintain systems and devices for safe and expeditious regulation and control of traffic within the city.
5. As provided by law or ordinance, perform other functions necessary to improve the quality of the environment.