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Gulf Guardian Award Winners 2003
Business Category - 1st Place
| Project #: | GG-03-14 | |
| Company: | Mississippi Power Company, Plant Jack Watson, Gulfport, MS | |
| Project Name: | Harrison County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day | |
| Category: | Business | |
| Project Type: | Public Health | |
| Average Rating: | 17.500 |
The 8th annual “Harrison County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Day” was held Saturday October the 6th at Mississippi Powers Plant
Jack Watson. Mississippi Power had over 60 employees and several family
members donate their personal time for this day to help pass out flyers,
facilitate, organize, set up collection stations and to take surveys or
remove waste from vehicles for proper disposal. There were over 150 other
volunteers from the community assisting the effort. Prior to the event,
a local news channel made public announcements detailing the project.
A local newspaper also placed a notice in their paper to notify the public
and flyers were passed out by employees at local schools and businesses.
Tents, signs and roll off dumpsters were staged. Then paint, battery,
oil, tires and chemical collection stations are set up. Cars are then
allowed to pass through where the waste is collected, documented and prepared
for proper disposal. Mississippi Power donates the facility and over a
thousand dollars worth of miscellaneous supplies such as safety glasses,
gloves, disposable coveralls, drinks, generators, tent rentals and many
man-hours to help make this event successful.
This project addresses the problem of people pouring out oil or toxic
chemicals into drains, ditches or unauthorized landfills, which could
then enter our local waters. It will improve the quality of our surface
and groundwater and minimize the impact of storm water run off intrusion.
The main purpose of this event is to enhance the quality of the environment
and the safety and health of the public. This event also allows Mississippi
Power to demonstrate its commitment to the environment and the community
while helping educate our employees and the public on proper waste disposal
and waste minimization.
