The City of Mount Vernon has announced a special curbside storm debris cleanup service scheduled for June 22-26, following the severe storms that struck the area on June 6.
The cleanup will be carried out by the City's Public Works Department, with crews making a single pass through neighborhoods to collect storm-related yard waste. All debris must be placed curbside before Monday, June 22.
"To help City crews move quickly through neighborhoods, the cleanup will follow strict material guidelines and a tight collection window," according to the press release.
Residents should take note that only accepted materials will be collected. This includes sticks, tree limbs, small branches, and twigs, provided they are under four inches in diameter. Items such as bagged leaves, grass clippings, stumps, lumber, trash, or furniture will not be collected.
“This specialized city service is strictly limited to branches under 4 inches in diameter,” the press release notes.
The guidelines stress that debris must be left completely loose, not bagged or bundled, and placed in the tree lawn or right‑of‑way area between the sidewalk and street. If no grassy strip exists, residents should place piles along the curb line without blocking roads, sidewalks, or drainage areas. Larger debris must be handled privately or taken directly to the Knox County Yard Waste and Compost Facility on Thayer Road, which is equipped to accept oversized materials.
“Items that do not meet these rules or contain unapproved materials will be left behind,” the release states.
City officials emphasized that the service is being offered in response to community requests after similar storm damage earlier this year. Crews must first prioritize repairs to public property, including Mound View Cemetery, which sustained considerable damage, before beginning neighborhood collection.
Officials also reminded residents to keep debris away from fire hydrants, utility poles, and mailboxes, and to remove parked vehicles from the street during cleanup week. This ensures that heavy equipment can safely access piles.
Immediately after the storm, City crews also worked to reopen streets, clear debris from roadways, and ensure safe access for emergency services while assessing damage.
For questions about the cleanup route or guidelines, residents are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department at 740.393.9501 or email [email protected].
