The Trash We Don’t Talk About: Why Construction Debris Is the Real Urban Challenge
Most people think of trash in terms of what goes into their bins at home. But behind the scenes, there’s another kind of waste piling up in our cities and towns—and it’s a much bigger problem. I’m talking about construction and demolition (C&D) debris. The wood, drywall, and concrete that quietly accumulates with every renovation, […]
Engineering Meets Empathy: Designing Waste Systems That Serve People, Not Just Policy
When people think of solid waste systems, they usually picture trucks, landfills, and strict schedules. Rarely do they think of people, let alone empathy. But after spending years in this field, I can say with confidence: if you’re not designing your system around the people it serves and the people who operate it, you’re building […]
Rebuilding After Disaster: The Overlooked Role of Solid Waste Management in Recovery Efforts
The Hidden Challenge After the Storm When most people think about disaster recovery, especially after hurricanes they think about restoring power, fixing roads, reopening schools, and getting clean water flowing again. All of these are critical steps, of course. But there’s another part of recovery that rarely makes the headlines and is just as essential: […]
From Frontline Worker to Executive: The Leadership Lessons I Learned on the Ground
Where I Started Before I ever stepped into an executive office, I was on the frontlines—learning how to operate heavy equipment, and working long hours to meet deadlines with limited resources. I didn’t begin my career with a corner office or a fancy title. I started with a deep respect for the people doing the […]
Roger E. Merritt, Jr.
Mr. Merritt is a highly experienced leader with nearly 30 years of diverse experience in both the public and private sector. Early on in his career, he was an environmental engineer for the State of Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) where he provided regulatory oversight for government and privately owned facilities throughout the state. Mr. […]
Adapting Solid Waste Systems for Extreme Weather Events
Over the course of my career in waste management, I’ve seen firsthand how essential our systems are to everyday life—and how vulnerable they can become when disaster strikes. As extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change, it’s no longer enough for our waste infrastructure to be functional. It also has […]
Traveling with Purpose: What My Global Work Has Taught Me About People and the Planet
Travel has always been a part of my life—but not in the way most people think of it. I haven’t been one to hop on a plane just to chase sunsets or take selfies in front of monuments. My travel has revolved around work—visiting waste facilities, meeting with municipal leaders, speaking at conferences, and helping […]
Philanthropy in Waste Management: Giving Back to the Community and Industry
Throughout my career in the waste management industry, I have learned that the value of giving back extends far beyond financial contributions. For me, philanthropy in this field is not just about donating money; it’s about sharing knowledge, offering mentorship, and engaging with the community to foster lasting, meaningful change. As I reflect on my […]
Global Challenges in Solid Waste Management: A Consultant’s Perspective
As a consultant specializing in environmental sustainability, I have had the privilege of working on solid waste management projects across the globe. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered a wide range of challenges and opportunities in the realm of waste management, particularly in regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). […]