MDEQ Offers Debris Guidance
HHW Collection Events to Be Held in Lee and Winston Counties Next Week
(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is working with officials and residents across the state to assist with storm damage and to provide guidance on the proper management of debris resulting from recent tornadoes.
“We are still assessing the amount and types of the debris and working to identify any other environmental issues resulting from the tornadoes. We deployed staff immediately after the storms to the affected counties to help the local officials and the residents in any way we can. If residents or local officials have questions or concerns relating to debris clean up from storm damage or other resulting environmental issues, please contact our Solid Waste staff at 601-961-5171,” said Trudy Fisher, MDEQ Executive Director.
MDEQ is currently working with local officials to assess the damage to determine the best options for management of debris. Residents cleaning up debris from damaged structures may dispose of most of the structural wastes, furnishings, and bulky debris at local rubbish sites. MDEQ reminds residents that household debris should not be burned, should be segregated by type of waste including separating Household Hazardous Waste, and disposed of properly at permitted disposal sites. Additionally, normal household garbage should not be mixed with storm debris but disposed of in the normal means as before the storms. Information on emergency debris management is available at: www.deq.state.ms.us/solidwaste.
There are currently two Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection sites that will be provided for Lee County and Winston County residents beginning May 7 and ending May 10. Both sites will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lee County:
Lee County Agri-center
5395 Highway 145
Verona, 38879
Contact: Torrey Mitchell – 662/655-5600
Winston County:
Adjacent to City of Louisville Street Department
503 Pontotoc Street
Louisville, 39339
Contact: Kenny Morris – 662/803-4183
Household hazardous wastes include household chemical items, certain electronic wastes, and other materials in the home that may be harmful to pets or children.
Area residents can drop off the following types of household hazardous waste items at the sites including:
· Household chemicals, bleach, and cleaners
· Insecticides and herbicides
· Household poisons
· Pool chemicals
· Used oil and gasoline
· Paints, thinner, varnish and solvents
· Thermostats, lighting ballasts, capacitors and other similar items
· Electronic wastes such as televisions, cell phones, and computers
· Large, bulky household appliances – such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, and hot water heaters
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