The Department of Public Works was established in 1874. The Department's responsibilities include collecting and disposing of refuse and bulk waste, paving and maintaining streets, removing snow and ice, installing and maintaining traffic signals and signs and pavement markings on city streets. DPW also provides engineering and inspection services for all road construction work performed in the city's right of way.
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 both Chapter 9 (Property Maintenance) and Chapter 22 (Solid Waste) codes in conjunction with 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.