Mississippi Power’s Plant Watson was recently named a Southern Company LEAF (Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future) Award winner for 2005. This is the second time Plant Watson has received the prestigious company award, which is accompanied by a $1,500 donation for a local environmental non-profit organization. Plant officials presented the donation to Keep Mississippi Beautiful last week.

The plant’s employees were chosen for their efforts to protect the south Mississippi environment by hosting the 10th Annual Harrison County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day last October. The event, co-sponsored by the Harrison County Beautification Commission and supported by Keep Mississippi Beautiful, promotes recycling and proper waste disposal of a wide variety of harmful household products.

In addition to collecting paint, chemicals, pesticides, tires, appliances, and other traditional hazardous home products, the event also accepted electronic waste in 2004, including televisions, computers, VCRs, phones, stereos and fax machines. Since the event began in 1995, more than 115 tons of hazardous waste has been collected.

“Keep Mississippi Beautiful has long been a statewide leader and partner in supporting environmental efforts,” said Kurt Brautigam, company spokesman. “Plant Watson’s employees decided to present them with the LEAF Award check in appreciation for everything they do to better our state and communities.”

Hurricane Katrina caused this year’s event, originally scheduled for October 9, to be cancelled. It has been rescheduled for April 29.