Roger E. Merritt Jr., a civil engineer and long-time public servant in environmental operations, is urging communities and local leaders to pay closer attention to the systems behind their waste. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience across both public and private sectors—including leadership roles in Georgia, Maryland, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—Merritt is advocating for renewed awareness and smarter decision-making in solid waste infrastructure.
“We can’t afford to treat waste management like an afterthought,” Merritt said in a recent interview. “It touches everything—public health, environmental safety, and local budgets. It’s a system we all depend on, even if most people never see it.”
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generated over 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018 alone—equating to nearly 4.9 pounds per person per day. With landfills reaching capacity and recycling rates stagnating, Merritt believes the time is now for better infrastructure and community education.
Having closed Georgia’s largest landfill early in his career and later led emergency waste response during hurricanes in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Merritt knows the challenges first-hand.
“When natural disasters strike, waste systems are as essential as power and clean water,” Merritt explained. “If they fail, people suffer. We saw that in real time.”
His message isn’t just for governments or engineers—it’s for everyday residents. Merritt encourages citizens to ask questions, get involved, and hold decision-makers accountable.
“Anyone can start by simply understanding where their waste goes,” he said. “If you don’t know, ask your city. That one step changes your mindset. From there, you can look at what you're buying, how you're sorting recyclables, or whether your community has the right infrastructure in place.”
Merritt also highlighted the importance of mentorship and workforce development in the sector. He’s long been a mentor to young professionals and believes that cultivating the next generation of engineers, planners, technicians, and solid waste professionals is critical.
“We need more people who see this field as service—not just a job,” Merritt said. “It takes skill and compassion to run these systems well.”
A Community Issue, Not Just a Technical One
Merritt’s call to action is grounded in community resilience. Waste mismanagement disproportionately affects lower-income and marginalized communities. Studies show that landfills, incinerators, and waste transfer stations are more likely to be located near vulnerable populations, contributing to pollution and health risks.
“These aren’t just technical problems—they’re social ones,” Merritt added. “Better waste planning can directly improve lives, especially in communities that have historically been left out of the conversation.”
Call to Action
Roger Merritt invites individuals, educators, local governments, and businesses to take part in improving their local systems.
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Start by learning where your waste goes.
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Push for transparency in local waste contracts.
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Support recycling programs and local clean-up initiatives.
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Advocate for investments in sustainable waste management infrastructure projects.
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Mentor or encourage youth to enter the field of environmental engineering.
“We all produce waste. That means we all have a stake in the solution,” Merritt concluded.
For more about Roger Merritt’s work and to explore ways to support smarter waste management in your community, visit www.rogermerritt.com.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Roger E. Merritt Jr.
Email: Send Email
City: US Virgin Islands
Country: United States
Website: https://www.rogermerrittwastemanagement.com/