The vital field of waste management often operates behind the scenes, yet it remains fundamental to public health and environmental well-being. Roger E. Merritt Jr. stands out as a visionary leader within this critical sector. He recently marked three decades of dedicated service, significantly shaping practices across both public and private domains. Indeed, his journey highlights a profound commitment to sustainable infrastructure and operational excellence.
A Foundation in Engineering and Finance for Waste Management
Roger E. Merritt Jr. began his distinguished career with a solid academic foundation. He earned a civil engineering degree from Texas A&M University in 1995. Subsequently, he pursued an Executive MBA in Finance from Clark Atlanta University in 2000. This unique blend of technical and financial expertise proved instrumental, ultimately shaping his distinctive leadership style in waste management.
Initially, Mr. Merritt stepped into public service at Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division. Here, he gained invaluable experience in compliance and regulation. This foundational period taught him the profound impact of policy. As he explains, “Regulations aren’t just rules—they shape the safety and wellbeing of communities.” Therefore, this experience instilled in him a deep sense of empathy, even when addressing complex technical issues.
Pioneering Private Sector Waste Management Solutions
Following his public service, Mr. Merritt transitioned to the private sector, joining Waste Management, Inc. This represented a significant shift. He oversaw Georgia’s largest landfill in the City of Atlanta, managing daily operations, landfill cell construction, financials, fleet, engineering, and compliance. Furthermore, he led a major project to close the Live Oak Landfill, then the largest in the state. This complex undertaking involved:
- Environmental safeguards
- Coordination with engineers and contractors
- Extensive community communication
The successful completion of this project reinforced his belief in collaborative leadership. Later, as Director of Landfill Engineering at EnviroSolutions (ESI), he continued to innovate. He focused on streamlining operations and implementing cost-effective design across multiple states. His strategic planning saved the company over $21 million. “Innovation doesn’t always mean flashy tech,” Merritt notes, “it’s often about making existing systems work better.” This principle guided his approach to efficient waste management.
Impactful Public Service in Waste Management
In 2011, Mr. Merritt returned to public leadership, serving as Associate Director for Prince George’s County Resource and Recovery Division in Maryland. This role involved managing a substantial $100 million budget. He focused on optimizing services for nearly a million residents. He effectively cut unnecessary consultant costs and strengthened environmental monitoring systems. As a result, his efforts saved the county nearly $30 million. “Public service should be efficient,” he firmly believes, “taxpayer money should go as far as possible.”
Subsequently, Mr. Merritt took on an even more challenging role: leading the U.S. Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority. He became responsible for both solid waste and wastewater systems. This period coincided with multiple natural disasters, including hurricanes Irma and Maria. Communication proved critical during these crises. He coordinated extensively with FEMA, the EPA, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and local partners. These experiences solidified his conviction that waste management infrastructure is as vital as power and water during emergencies.
Global Reach: REM Consulting and Sustainable Waste Management
Today, Roger E. Merritt Jr. leads REM Consulting, based in Atlanta. His firm advises governments, private clients, and international agencies. A significant portion of his current work focuses on Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He provides expert guidance on various critical aspects of waste management, including:
- Increasing landfill airspace
- Reviewing waste diversion programs
- Developing robust disaster response strategies
Every community presents unique challenges and opportunities. Therefore, Mr. Merritt emphasizes creating solutions that are sustainable, cost-effective, and precisely tailored to local needs. His global perspective and adaptable strategies contribute significantly to environmental progress worldwide.
Mentorship and the Future of Waste Management Leadership
Beyond his direct professional contributions, Roger E. Merritt Jr. prioritizes mentorship. He actively guides younger professionals entering the field. “I’ve had great mentors throughout my career,” he states. “They shaped how I think and how I lead.” He encourages new talent to develop not only technical skills but also leadership, communication, and empathy. He reminds them, “waste management is about people who are providing a much needed service to the community at the end of the day. If you forget that, you’ve missed the point.”
For aspiring professionals in the environmental sector, Merritt offers clear advice. “Be curious,” he advises. “Ask how things work and why they work that way.” He stresses the importance of understanding details, from permits and operations to compliance and public engagement. Ultimately, he underscores the service-oriented nature of the profession. Whether hauling trash or designing a materials recovery facility, your work directly keeps communities safe and clean. His enduring legacy in waste management continues to inspire and shape future leaders.
Roger E. Merritt Jr.’s 30-year journey exemplifies profound dedication and visionary leadership in the complex world of waste management. From public service to private innovation and global consulting, his career reflects a relentless pursuit of efficiency, sustainability, and community well-being. His holistic approach, combining technical prowess with a deep understanding of human impact, continues to influence how communities plan, recover, and build for a more sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What inspired Roger E. Merritt Jr. to enter the field of waste management?
Roger Merritt’s initial curiosity about how systems work led him to study civil engineering. While he didn’t initially plan for waste management, he realized its vital importance for public health, the environment, and infrastructure. This deeper understanding of its impact on real lives drew him into the field.
Q2: How did his Executive MBA influence his career in waste management?
His Executive MBA in Finance from Clark Atlanta University provided a crucial understanding of the financial aspects of operations. This allowed him to balance costs, compliance, and community needs more effectively. It helped him see waste management through a broader, more strategic lens.
Q3: What were some of his key achievements in the private sector?
In the private sector, Mr. Merritt managed Georgia’s largest landfill for Waste Management, Inc., leading its complex closure. At EnviroSolutions, he served as Director of Landfill Engineering, saving the company over $21 million through cost-effective design and smart planning.
Q4: How did he contribute to public service in Prince George’s County?
As Associate Director for Prince George’s County Resource and Recovery Division, he managed a $100 million budget. He streamlined operations, cut unnecessary consultant costs, and strengthened environmental monitoring, ultimately saving taxpayers nearly $30 million.
Q5: What unique challenges did he face in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, he led the Waste Management Authority through multiple natural disasters, including hurricanes Irma and Maria. He was responsible for both solid waste and wastewater systems, coordinating with FEMA, the EPA, and local partners to maintain critical services during emergencies.
Q6: What is the primary focus of REM Consulting today?
REM Consulting, led by Mr. Merritt, advises governments and private clients on sustainable waste management practices. The firm specializes in increasing landfill airspace, reviewing waste diversion programs, and developing disaster response strategies, particularly in the U.S., Small Island Developing States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
