Press release
Roger E. Merritt Jr Urges Communities to Rethink Waste Management
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.
*
Start by learning where your waste goes.
*
Push for transparency in local waste contracts.
*
Support recycling programs and local clean-up initiatives.
*
Advocate for investments in sustainable waste management infrastructure projects.
*
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 [https://www.rogermerritt.com].
Media Contact
Contact Person: Roger E. Merritt Jr.
Email: Send Email [http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=roger-e-merritt-jr-urges-communities-to-rethink-waste-management]
City: US Virgin Islands
Country: United States
Website: https://www.rogermerrittwastemanagement.com/
Legal Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. GetNews makes no warranties or responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you are affiliated with this article or have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article and would like it to be removed, please contact retract@swscontact.com
This release was published on openPR.
Permanent link to this press release:
Copy
Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release.
You can edit or delete your press release Roger E. Merritt Jr Urges Communities to Rethink Waste Management here
News-ID: 4146118 • Views: …
More Releases from Getnews

AwardWinning Author Johnny Scifo Unveils The Kettle Pours a Universe a Lyrical J …
A tale blending ancient tea rituals, hidden village secrets, and timeless wisdom reveals humanity's deep interconnectedness
Award-winning author, musician, and meditation teacher Johnny Scifo is proud to announce the release of his newest work of fiction, The Kettle Pours a Universe [https://www.amazon.com/Kettle-Pours-Universe-Novella-ebook/dp/B0FTY7H21X/ref]. More than a novel, the book is a sweeping meditation on human connection, spirituality, and the hidden bonds that link us across time and culture.
Image: https://www.aionewswire.com/storage/images/ckeditor//JSCIFO%20Insight%20Headshot_1760460910.jpg
Image: https://www.aionewswire.com/storage/images/ckeditor//5th%20kettle%20pours%20cover%205x8-3_1760460903.png
A Story of…

A HighStakes Canadian Thriller Explores International Intrigue in Daniel J Showa …
Amherst Island, Ontario - What happens when a satellite built for peaceful purposes becomes a tool in a global power struggle? In his novel In A Pinch [https://www.amazon.com/Pinch-Novel-Daniel-J-Showalter/dp/1779625596], Daniel J. Showalter blends insider knowledge of Canada's space program with gripping fiction, delivering a uniquely Canadian story of suspense, espionage, and resilience.
Image: https://www.aionewswire.com/storage/images/ckeditor//1000002749_1760471980.jpg
Set around the turn of the century, just before the invasion of Iraq, In A Pinch [https://www.amazon.com/Pinch-Novel-Daniel-J-Showalter/dp/1779625596] follows an…

Hutch-N-Son Painting & Drywall Strengthens Reputation in Plano with Professional …
Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2025/10/1760464446.jpg
Hutch-N-Son Painting & Drywall remains a trusted name in the Plano area, offering expert painting and drywall solutions for both residential and commercial properties. With years of experience and a dedication to quality craftsmanship, the company has become a recognized leader in transforming spaces with precision and care.
Reliable Services Backed by Experience
The company has earned its standing among top Plano Painting Companies [http://google.com/maps?cid=3370445638898024327] by consistently delivering results that meet…

Grandma Helens Secret Room Sparks Wonder and Imagination in New Children's Book
Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2025/10/1760463468.jpg
What happens when curiosity, childhood wonder, and family traditions collide? In her enchanting new children's book, Grandma Helen's No No Room [https://www.amazon.com/Grandma-Helens-No-Room/dp/1961978326/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UY0ICLKECDBV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.osLAfY76JtQbSGkNJSf8gw.HZAT3oAnpDCuseNiwxePSzBQ6xt2xoEk7T9GUfopOeo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Grandma+Helen%E2%80%99s+No+No+Room&qid=1724304057&s=books&sprefix=grandma+helen+s+no+no+room%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C273&sr=1-1], author Kari Kling invites readers into a whimsical world where imagination reigns supreme.
Image: https://www.aionewswire.com/storage/images/ckeditor//61NPn6-bHBL._SL1360__1760460131.jpg
Narrated by Katrina, the story follows two sisters visiting their grandmother in New York City. Grandma Helen's apartment has one very special place - a room they're never allowed to enter. Every time the…
More Releases for Merritt
Roger E. Merritt, Jr. Shares Powerful Insights in Newly Published Online Intervi …
Renowned solid waste management consultant Roger E. Merritt, Jr. has been featured in a compelling and thought-provoking online interview, offering rare insight into his nearly three-decade career in environmental leadership, public service, and global sustainability.
The published interview explores Roger's philosophy on mentorship, philanthropy, and the future of waste management. Known for his transformative leadership at Waste Management Inc., EnviroSolutions (ESI), and Prince George's County, Roger shares lessons from overseeing complex…
Merritt World Vacations: Seamless Travel? A Concierge Who Does It All
In today's fast-paced world, time is more valuable than ever-and when it comes to travel, savvy vacationers are no longer willing to waste it on planning headaches. That's why more and more travelers are turning to concierge services, and Merritt World Vacations is leading the way in delivering seamless, stress-free vacation experiences.
Forget the endless hours spent browsing flights, comparing hotel deals, or second-guessing tour options. With Merritt World Vacations, a…
Merritt World Vacations Members Rave About Personalized Travel Service
Alexandria Va- When it comes to planning unforgettable vacations, Merritt World Vacations is setting a new standard with its personalized travel service. Members of Merritt World Vacations consistently praise the company's hands-on approach, emphasizing how the direct, personal contact with travel experts has enhanced their experiences and simplified their travel planning.
For many travelers, the process of booking a vacation can feel overwhelming, with countless options, hidden fees, and last-minute changes…
Calypso Kayaking Offers Unforgettable Bioluminescent Kayak Tours on Merritt Isla …
Merritt Island, FL - November 4, 2024 - Calypso Kayaking, a premier eco-tourism company specializing in unforgettable water adventures, is thrilled to offer bioluminescent kayaking tours in Merritt Island, Florida. Known for its mesmerizing, natural light show created by microscopic organisms in the water, bioluminescent kayaking has become one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the Sunshine State. Calypso Kayaking invites adventurers to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle first-hand.
The bioluminescent…
Private NEW Marina & Yacht Club Community in Merritt Island Florida
Ellen Rubino of Remax Aerospace and Linda Dellenberger of Coastmark Real Estate are proud to announce the launch of MARKER 24 an exclusive NEW riverfront marina & yacht community featuring luxury homes and private yacht/marina slips. Only 24 lucky owners will have the opportunity to live a maintenance-free lifestyle featuring a private drawbridge with onsite security, members-only riverfront clubhouse, ship store, dock master, concierge, and more. Awe-inspiring features are standard,…
Fairfax’s Kazal defence strategy diluted by Chris Merritt - The Australian
In the midst of losing another editor-in-chief, it would be completely understandable if those running Fairfax Media were to overlook the setback they have just suffered in the wonderful world of defamation.
Last Friday, judge Lucy McCallum of the NSW Supreme Court emasculated the defence strategy the publisher wanted to use against a defamation claim by businessman Oscar Kazal.
It concerns two articles in The Sydney Morning Herald about the Kazal family…