Mississippi residents affected by the Jan. 21 tornado outbreak near Hattiesburg and Petal now have a way to safely dispose of toxic and hazardous items damaged in the storm.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality this week will collect damaged household hazardous wastes, major appliances and electronic waste from Forrest, Lamar, and Perry Counties residents.

Department officials will collect these items on Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gate 1 of the the Hattiesburg Bobby L. Chain Municipal Airport.

The list of accepted items includes household chemicals such as insecticides, bleach and other cleaners, herbicides, used oil and gasoline, pool chemicals, paint, solvents and fertilizers.

Other waste items to be collected include thermostats, lighting ballasts, computers, televisions, lead batteries and cell phones.

Residents can also drop off major appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, and hot water heaters.

The Jan. 21 tornado killed four and injured more than 20 people in Forrest County, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Most of the damage was centered around the cities of Hattiesburg and Petal.


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