Commentary: Waste and recycling efforts clear the path to recovery in post-disaster communities

When natural disasters like a hurricane occur, the best of us as a society come through and we push past ideology and differences to rally around our friends, neighbors and communities. Our first responders and community volunteers are right there bringing needed aid and support. Behind the scenes, thousands of employees in the waste and recycling industry quietly show up to remove the debris and detritus of storms like Helene and Milton. As they did during the COVID-19 pandemic, and every day since, the waste and recycling industry shows up and seamlessly takes away the residuals of our daily lives.

Natural disaster response is just another of the many skills and resources waste and recycling handles. We have the expertise to manage and dispose of massive amounts of debris, which is essential to the local community recovery process. The waste and recycling sector, following Helene and Milton, has again demonstrated its indispensable role in helping communities rebuild and restore some sense of normalcy.

In the immediate aftermath of a storm, communities face the monumental task of clearing this debris to be able to reopen roads, repair power lines and enable rebuilding to begin. Waste and recycling professionals who live and work in the impacted communities, as well as many brought in from other areas specifically to provide added support, step in quickly with critical infrastructure, which is the foundation on which recovery is built.

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An immediate priority as storms subside is to clear roads to allow emergency responders and utility workers to access affected areas. Waste collection trucks, roll-off containers and crews are among the first on the scene, often working around the clock to remove storm debris. Fallen trees, damaged buildings and other obstructive materials are cleared, making the way for emergency vehicles and utility workers to restore power and essential services. This initial clearing effort is crucial, as it allows communities to move from emergency response to recovery.

Just as important, waste and recycling companies play a critical role in ensuring the environmental impact of debris is minimized. The materials left in the wake of a hurricane can include hazardous substances, such as asbestos from old buildings, household chemicals and fuel from damaged vehicles. Waste management professionals are trained to handle and dispose of these materials safely, preventing contamination of the environment and local water sources. This environmental stewardship is an essential part of the recovery process, protecting public health and the local ecosystem, and is a core competency of the waste and recycling industry.

Hurricane recovery is not a one-day effort. It can take weeks, months or even years to fully rebuild after a major storm. Waste and recycling companies are there for the long haul, continuing to support communities as they rebuild their homes and businesses. They help residents safely dispose of damaged belongings, clear away construction debris and recycle materials that can be salvaged. Throughout this extended process, waste and recycling workers are a consistent presence, dedicated to helping communities get back on their feet.

In addition to their on-the-ground efforts, waste and recycling companies work closely with local governments and emergency management agencies to plan for future hurricanes. Many of these companies are involved in creating disaster preparedness plans, which include strategies for quickly mobilizing resources and equipment in the event of a storm. These partnerships allow for a faster, more coordinated response when disaster strikes, helping communities recover more efficiently.

As we continue to face increasingly severe storms, we must recognize and support the waste and recycling sector as a key component of our disaster response and recovery infrastructure. These workers are true first responders in their own right, clearing the path for others and helping to restore devastated communities. Their dedication, resilience and expertise make them indispensable allies in the face of natural disasters.

Michael E. Hoffman is president and CEO of the National Waste and Recycling Association, an Arlington, Virginia-based organization championing the waste and recycling industry. Learn more at www.wasterecycling.org.