By Jonathan Hixon, President, CMRA

In these tough economic times it is easy to forget that things could be worse, much worse. My children have been putting together fundraising efforts such as dodge ball tournaments, bake sales, bowling tournaments and dances to raise money for the earthquake victims of Haiti. It was just a short time ago this impoverished country was rocked by one of the worst earthquakes in modern history and the outpouring of help has been nothing short of inspiring. Along with my kids,  I did the right thing and sent some money to the Red Cross, but it made me think about our industry and how we might be able to help.

I was reminded of Hurricane Andrew back in August 1992 that hit the Homestead area of Florida as well as parts of Louisiana that caused 65 deaths and $34 billion in damage. During that time a colleague of mine, David DeVito, went to the devastated area and worked for an entire year cleaning up and transporting debris. It made me ponder about who is really qualified to handle natural disaster situations such as this and how important it is to help the effected people get some assemblance of their lives back. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 in Louisiana took the lives of 1,836 people and caused well in excess of $100 billion of damage. I knew many people and companies that brought trucks and recycling equipment to Louisiana to move and process debris that was left from the hurricane. This effort still goes on five years later, but who is best equipped to handle and to help in these situations?

Most that get a copy of this magazine or find themselves reading this in someone’s office as you wait for your appointment know the answer to this question. It is, of course us, the men and women who handle and recycle construction and demolition materials. Who is more qualified to effectively and efficiently move these materials and then transfer into a reconstruction phase than the people in our industry? The CMRA has been contacted by the U.S. EPA for advice on disaster relief and plans have been under way for some years now to set up zones around the country to be prepared for the next disaster. Currently, there are 10 zones around the United States and companies that have trucks, mobile processing equipment as well as permitted processing facilities could be on tap in case of another crushing blow from mother nature.   

When looking at disasters, such as in Haiti, several phases occur to help out with the effected areas. Phase One is a lifesaving and survival supply stage. In this phase they need things like food, water, medicine, urgent-care medical supplies, tents, tarps and generators. Phase Two is supplies for stabilization. This phase brings a need for medical equipment, clothing, linens, mattresses, cooking supplies and water purification equipment. Then there is an extension of Phase Two which is a materials for reconstruction phase. During this time they need building materials, furniture, beds, medical furnishings and school furnishings. One such company that brings demolition materials to our facilties for recycling also recycles unwanted materials from institutions. The Institution Recycling Network (IRN), located in New Hampshire, coordinates the difficult logistics of getting relief materials to affected areas. As I write this the first container loaded with 120 mattresses, medical supplies and 2,500 liters of bottled water is just hitting port in Haiti. It is organizations such as these and many other companies from around the world who are sending much needed items to help in the relief effort.

I can see the potential from many in our industry to help in this cause. From recycling equipment manufacturers, re-use companies, trucking companies to contractors, there is a level of expertise that undeniably points toward our industry helping those less fortunate. Although this disaster has taken place in another country, making the logistics even more difficult and the poor economic situation in Haiti seem like huge hurdles, there is an infrastructure available to provide assistance. This earthquake will ultimately result in hundreds of thousands of lives lost and extreme economic hardship. As they move into the later stages of Phase Two there will be a need for aggregates, concrete and lumber. Often in our industry natural disasters provide much needed work for our companies, this situation although logistically more difficult is no different. If you have some good ideas feel free to contact us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tough times call on creative thinkers to come up with solutions that ultimately help others for the Greater Good.

Besides serving as the president of the CMRA, Hixon is vice president of ERRCO C&D Recycling which is under the umbrella of LL&S Recycling, Gateway Metal Recycling, and DeVito Trucking with locations in Epping and Salem, N.H.