MOUNT VERNON – The windstorm on Friday, March 13, which saw wind gusts top 70 mph in Central Ohio, with hundreds of thousands of residences and businesses losing electricity statewide, also caused widespread damage in the City of Mount Vernon.
In an effort to aid cleanup from the storm, the City will conduct a community-wide storm debris cleanup to assist residents in removing yard waste created by the storm. City crews will collect storm-related yard debris only.
This effort is intended to help residents dispose of small branches, sticks, and limbs that fell as a result of the storm.
Friday’s storm left 16 streets across the City blocked by fallen trees and limbs, while multiple traffic signals and street signs were blown down or experienced damage, according to City Public Works Director Tom Hinkle.
In addition, two utility poles were snapped in two by the wind along Coshocton Avenue. The remaining damage can be summarized as follows:
Parks
- Two trees blown down at Ariel~Foundation Park, roof damage to carpenter’s shop and to elevator shaft.
- Roof damage to shed at Memorial Park, fence bowed next to youth tennis courts
- Roof damage to shed at Phillips Park Cemetery.
- Tree blown down, wall blown over next to burial vault, fascia damaged on office building City buildings.
- Roof damage to Station Break.
- Windows blown out in Curtis Building on North Main Street
Preparing for debris cleanup
Beginning the week of March 16 through March 23, residents should collect storm-related yard waste and place it in the tree lawn/right-of-way area in front of their property (the grassy strip between the sidewalk and the street).
Crews will begin their routes on Monday, March 23. Routes will follow the City’s leaf pickup schedule.
If there is no tree lawn, place debris along the curb line without blocking the roadway, sidewalks, or drainage areas.
Residents are asked to pile debris neatly to make cleanup as efficient and easy as possible for city crews so they can move quickly through neighborhoods.
Accepted materials
The following materials will be collected:
- Sticks
- Tree limbs
- Small branches
- Twigs and similar storm debris
Size requirements
To ensure efficient collection using City equipment:
Limbs and branches should be no larger than approximately 4 inches in diameter.
Debris should be loose and not bagged.
Please do not tie bundles.
Debris larger than this size may require private removal services. For residents requiring immediate removal, private removal services or the Knox County Yard Waste and Compost Facility on Thayer Road are options available to you.
Materials that will not be collected
This cleanup is strictly limited to storm-related yard waste. The following items will not be picked up:
Leaves in bags
Grass clippings
Lumber or construction materials
Trash or household garbage
Furniture
Landscape timbers
Tree stumps or root balls
Yard decorations or fencing
Any non-approved materials placed at the curb may be left behind.
Collection process
Collection will be conducted similar to the City’s seasonal leaf pickup program, with city crews traveling through neighborhoods and collecting debris placed along the curb.
There will be only one single pass through neighborhoods, so residents are encouraged to place debris out as soon as possible before crews reach their area.
Disposal of larger items
Residents with larger limbs or storm debris that exceed the size requirements can take those items to the Knox County Yard Waste and Compost Facility located on Thayer Road, which is open and able to receive larger materials.
Please check online for further information. If this option is not available to you, private removal services are available.
Important notes
- Please do not place debris near fire hydrants, utility poles, or mailboxes.
- Keep debris clear of sidewalks and storm drains.
- Debris should be placed in a way that allows equipment and crews to safely access it from the roadway. Please remove vehicles from the street if you are leaving debris for the City crews to collect.
- Please do not place debris in alleyways as crews will not be able to drive large trucks and equipment efficiently through alleyways. Please take all debris to the tree lawn/right-of-way.
The City appreciates residents’ cooperation and encourages everyone to help spread the word to neighbors so crews can remove storm debris efficiently throughout the City.
Questions? Contact the Public Works Department at 740-393-9501 or email us at Questions@MtVernonOH.gov.