Mount Vernon, Illinois has a short fall clear-out window this month. The first leaf-burning week runs Mon Oct 12 through Sun Oct 18, and the city’s electronics recycling drop-off comes back on Sat Oct 24 for Mt. Vernon residents. If an old TV, a dead mower or a broken freezer has been sitting in the garage since spring, these are the dates to plan around.
Quick name check: this page is Mount Vernon, Illinois, the Jefferson County seat. Looking for Mount Vernon, Indiana? That’s on our Posey County page.
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Electronics Recycling Event for Mt. Vernon Residents · Mount Vernon IL · Sat Oct 24, 2026 · 9am–noon
Where: City of Mt. Vernon Public Works Department, 1201 Casey Ave. The City is hosting it with J & C E-Recycling, and it’s open to Mt. Vernon residents.
Accepted, per the city’s listing: computer towers and parts, laptops, hard drives, power supplies, battery backups, keyboards, mice, modems, printers, speakers, cell phones, DVD/VHS players, wire, batteries, electric motors, lawnmowers, weed eaters, lawn tools, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers, dishwashers, electric treadmills, stationary bikes and small appliances (blenders, bread machines, hair dryers). TVs are limited to 2 per household.
Not accepted: light bulbs, propane tanks, smoke detectors, carbon dioxide detectors and tires.
Why care: Regular bulk pickup in Mt. Vernon won’t take electronics, appliances or lawnmowers. This drop-off will.
This week: Start a pile in the garage. If you have more than two TVs, pick the two that go this time, and set the bulbs, detectors, propane tanks and tires aside.
Fall leaf-burning week · Mount Vernon IL · Mon Oct 12 – Sun Oct 18, 2026 · sunrise to sunset
Natural yard waste only (leaves and tree debris), so no trash, building materials or tires. Fires stay off public streets, sidewalks, drainage ditches and manhole covers, and off anyone else’s property without written permission. An adult 18 or older stays with the fire the whole time. The Fire Chief can call off burning for high winds or dry conditions.
Why care: This is the first of the city’s two fall burn weeks. Miss it, and the next window is Mon Nov 9 – Sun Nov 15.
This week: Rake leaves into a pile well away from the street and the ditch, and keep a hose handy for Monday.
Rather not burn? Weekly yard-waste pickup · Mount Vernon IL
Yard waste is collected by hand every week on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, depending on your trash day.
Why care: Illinois law keeps leaves and yard waste out of the regular trash, and the city asks that they stay out of plastic garbage bags and trash or recycling carts.
This week: Use biodegradable bags (30 gallons or smaller) or reusable containers, and keep each one under 35 lb. Bundle sticks with twine, no longer than 3 feet.
Free weekly bulk pickup for furniture · Mount Vernon IL
Bulk items like couches, chairs, mattresses and box springs are picked up free on Fridays, up to 200 lb per household per week.
Why care: It’s the easy route for the big stuff that isn’t electronic. Appliances, electronics and lawnmowers aren’t part of it, so save those for Oct 24.
This week: Schedule with Republic Services at least 48 hours before Friday. The city’s Bulk Item Collection page has the details.
“Mount Vernon IL: electronics recycling Sat Oct 24, 9am–noon at Public Works on Casey Ave. Residents only, two TVs max.”
Before you go
Event details can change, so a quick look at the city’s calendar listing the week of Oct 24 is a good idea.
Get the garage in order
Clearing out before Oct 24? The free Fall Clear-Out Checklist helps you sort what goes to the drop-off, what goes to the curb and what stays. For more on living in Mount Vernon, see our Mount Vernon IL homeowner hub. Want Southern Illinois dates as they’re posted? Subscribe free, or browse the contractor directory if you’d rather hire out the hauling. More county pages are on Local Pulse.
Sources: City of Mt. Vernon: Electronics Recycling Event · Mt. Vernon Fire Department leaf-burning release (Sep 30, 2026) · Leaf & Tree Burning · Yard Waste · Bulk Item Collection
