Have you ever stopped to wonder where your trash goes once it leaves your curb? Most people don’t think much about it, but Roger E. Merritt Jr. has spent nearly 30 years answering that question. For Roger, garbage isn’t just something we toss away. It’s an opportunity to create real change.
“I’ve always been fascinated with how systems work,” Merritt says. “Early in my career, I realized waste management is about much more than trash, it affects public health, communities, and our environment.”
Early Years and Education
Roger grew up interested in how things were built. That curiosity led him to study Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University, graduating in 1995. Engineering was a good fit because he liked solving problems and finding practical solutions.
In 1998, he went back to school for an Executive MBA in Finance from Clark Atlanta University. He wanted to understand the numbers behind the environmental work he was doing.
“I knew engineering, but finance taught me how to manage budgets and find efficiencies,” he explained. “Combining both made me more effective.”
Starting in Public Service
After college, Merritt began his career as an Environmental Engineer for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). At EPD, he learned the ropes of compliance and environmental regulation.
“Working with government agencies showed me how policies directly impact real people,” Merritt said. “It gave me empathy for the community.”
But Roger wanted more hands-on impact. In 2002, he moved into the private sector, joining Waste Management, Inc.
Moving to the Private Sector
At Waste Management, Merritt oversaw the state of Georgia’s largest landfill operation near Atlanta. He managed daily operations, capital improvement construction projects, budgets, fleet maintenance, and compliance. It was challenging work, but he thrived by making practical improvements.
One major project was closing a massive landfill, the largest in Georgia at the time. Merritt led the closure efficiently, earning recognition from the Solid Waste Association of North America as the Solid Waste Professional of the Year..
“Closing a landfill sounds simple, but it’s incredibly complex,” Merritt shared. “It taught me to value teamwork and precision.”
Later, Merritt served as Director of Landfill Engineering at EnviroSolutions (ESI). He led engineering projects across multiple states. His efforts saved ESI over $21 million.
“The goal was to do more with less, better solutions at lower costs,” he explained. “That’s when I saw how smart financial management benefits everyone.”
Public Leadership in Maryland
In 2014, Merritt returned to public service as Associate Director for Prince George’s County, Maryland. He managed a $100 million Enterprise Fund budget, solid waste programs for nearly a million residents, and tackled serious environmental compliance issues.
His big win was streamlining projects and cutting unnecessary consultant costs, saving the county nearly $30 million.
“I believe waste management shouldn’t waste taxpayer money,” Merritt said. “Every dollar saved could fund better schools or roads.”
Leading in Challenging Times
One of Merritt’s toughest roles came as Executive Director of the U.S. Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority. He oversaw all solid waste and wastewater operations during hurricanes and natural disasters.
“It was intense,” he admitted. “We had hurricanes, floods, real emergencies. Communication was critical.”
Roger coordinated closely with federal agencies, including FEMA, the EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensuring residents received vital services during crises.
“It showed me how critical waste management infrastructure is,” he recalled. “In times of disaster, it’s just as important as electricity and water.”
Mentorship and Community
Throughout his career, Merritt has prioritized mentoring young professionals. He often shares practical lessons, stressing how to balance technical skills with compassion.
“I was fortunate to have great mentors myself,” Merritt noted. “Now I pay that forward by guiding others.”
His mentorship goes beyond career advice. He encourages colleagues to see waste management as community service, focusing on real-world solutions that improve lives.
“It’s rewarding when people tell me I’ve helped shape their careers,” he said. “That’s as meaningful as any technical achievement.”
Current Work and Global Impact
Today, Merritt consults internationally, helping communities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Small Island Developing States. He advises on sustainability, recycling, waste reduction, and infrastructure planning.
“Every community is unique,” he explained. “I help find solutions that fit local needs, whether it’s better recycling programs or smarter waste collection.”
He also runs REM Consulting, LLC, his consulting business based in Atlanta. The firm focuses on practical environmental solutions.
“I started REM Consulting because sometimes the best solutions come from outside traditional thinking,” he noted. “Creativity matters.”
What’s Next for Merritt?
Looking forward, Merritt remains passionate about mentoring and creating lasting environmental change. He hopes to continue shaping how communities around the world think about waste.
“My career has taught me we can’t just think about today,” he concluded. “We must plan and act with tomorrow in mind.”
Roger Merritt’s journey from civil engineer to global waste expert illustrates how curiosity, practicality, and compassion can create meaningful careers. In a world facing big environmental challenges, Merritt reminds us that every person, and every piece of trash, matters.
Q&A with Roger E. Merritt Jr.
What first drew you to environmental engineering and waste management?
I’ve always liked understanding how systems work, how things are built and managed. When I started out in civil engineering, I didn’t think I’d end up in waste, but once I got into it, I saw how essential it is to public health and the environment. It’s a service people don’t often think about, but it touches every part of our lives.
What was one of the most challenging projects you’ve worked on?
Closing Georgia’s largest landfill early in my career was a real challenge. The environmental stakes were high, and we had to get it done under budget and in compliance. But working through that taught me how important it is to be detail-oriented and collaborative, no one gets it done alone.
What’s something people misunderstand about waste management?
People think it’s just about trash pickup. But it’s really about engineered systems, logistics, and long-term planning. Whether it’s landfill engineering, recycling programs, or emergency operations, it’s infrastructure, and it has to be resilient.
How do you approach leadership and mentoring?
I was lucky to have strong mentors, so I try to return that. I tell younger folks to blend technical skills with people skills. Know the numbers, but also know how to communicate clearly. That’s what sets people apart.
What was it like leading during natural disasters in the Virgin Islands?
It was intense. We were dealing with hurricanes, floods,and real crises. You can’t wait for ideal conditions, you have to act. Communication and coordination with federal agencies like FEMA, along with the local agencies was key. Those moments showed me how vital this work really is.
What advice would you give someone starting out in this field?
Be curious. Ask how things work and why. Don’t be afraid to dig into the gritty details. And always remember, this job is about service. You’re helping communities run safely and sustainably.
