Southern Mills, which has two plants in Senoia, was recently honored by the EPA as a WasteWise Partner of the Year for Mid-Size Corporations at the 1998 WasteWise awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The recognition comes from the company's waste prevention, waste recycling and waste education activities. The award highlights Southern Mills' commitment to the environment and excellence in the workplace. The program was started in 1994 as a way to promote the reduction of municipal solid waste generated by businesses.

A medium-sized textile company with 575 employees, Southern Mills produces thermal protective fabrics used by firefighters and industrial garments worn by workers in the oil, electrical and gas utility industries.

During 1997, the company reduced the amount of solid waste sent to the local landfill by more than 75,000 pounds, including 36,000 pounds of fiber and 25,000 pounds of corrugated boxes. Together, these efforts saved the company $12,679, according to the EPA. Southern Mills saved another $6,775 by reusing old plastic wrapping and bags in its packaging. It donated outdated computer equipment to charitable organizations and recycled 63,063 pounds of metal.