WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
Residents cleaning up after the severe storms that swept through the area on June 6 will have an opportunity to dispose of storm-related yard debris through a special curbside pickup program later this month.
The City of Mount Vernon announced Tuesday that its Public Works Department will conduct a one-time storm debris collection from June 22 through June 26 to assist homeowners dealing with fallen branches and other storm damage. The service was organized in response to community requests and follows similar cleanup efforts after damaging storms earlier this year.
Before crews can begin neighborhood collection routes, city workers must first address damage to public property, including significant storm damage sustained at Mound View Cemetery. City officials say those repairs remain a priority before community cleanup operations begin.
To keep the collection process moving efficiently, the city has established strict guidelines for what materials will be accepted.
Crews will collect loose storm-related yard waste, including sticks, tree limbs, small branches, and twigs. However, all branches must be less than four inches in diameter. Leaves in bags, grass clippings, tree stumps, root balls, lumber, construction debris, trash, furniture, and fencing will not be accepted. Officials are also asking residents not to bag yard waste or tie debris into bundles. Materials that do not meet the guidelines will be left behind.
Residents are required to place all debris at the curb before Monday, June 22. City trucks will follow the standard leaf collection route and will make only one pass through each neighborhood during the cleanup period. Because crews will not return to completed streets, any debris placed out after the deadline will not be collected.
City officials are asking residents to place debris neatly in the tree lawn or right-of-way area between the sidewalk and street. Those without a grassy strip should place debris along the curb while keeping roadways, sidewalks, and drainage areas clear. Debris should not be placed near fire hydrants, utility poles, or mailboxes, and residents are encouraged to remove parked vehicles from streets during the cleanup week to improve access for collection crews.
Officials noted that larger tree limbs, root balls, and other oversized debris will require private removal services. Residents may also take larger yard waste directly to the Knox County Yard Waste and Compost Facility on Thayer Road.
Questions regarding the cleanup schedule or collection guidelines can be directed to the Mount Vernon Public Works Department at 740-393-9501 or by emailing Questions@MtVernonOH.gov.
