Editor's Focus--Another Call for Assistance

It was just in this year’s February issue of Recycling Today that Group Publisher Jim Keefe urged our readers to consider how they could help the survivors of a deadly tsunami that struck half-a-world away from where most of our subscribers live. On that occasion, North Americans responded generously to the appeals for help.

Now, Hurricane Katrina has brought death and destruction to the United States, with entire Gulf Coast communities destroyed and one major city underwater after levies surrounding New Orleans were unable to stay intact. Some of those same readers who gave generously to help tsunami victims are now themselves dealing with personal loss, homelessness, joblessness and an uncertain future.

Again, Americans are responding generously, as is the international community.

Trade associations immediately began helping their member companies coordinate financial aid and deployment of heavy equipment and other resources that might potentially help in rescue, recovery, cleanup and rebuilding operations.

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI) immediately began posting information on the status of affected individuals and companies located in the Gulf Coast region of its tight-knit community of scrap processors and traders. ISRI Chair Joel Denbo has spelled out several ways members can contribute to relief efforts.

The Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA) and its Executive Director William Turley have been coordinating deployment of member companies with the Region 4 office of the U.S. EPA to clean up downed trees, demolished wooden structures and other debris suitable for the high-volume wood grinders that C&D recyclers possess.

By early September, National Demolition Association Executive Director Michael Taylor began notifying members which federal and state agencies were coordinating cleanup and demolition efforts and how they could be contacted.

Individual recycling companies also proceeded with relief efforts immediately. OmniSource Corp., Fort Wayne, Ind., and aluminum scrap consumer Novelis Inc., Beachwood, Ohio, announced donation programs to be conducted in cooperation with customers.

A New England-based scrap recycler made a donation of $50,000 to the American Red Cross, encouraging other recyclers to engage in a friendly competition to match each other’s levels of giving.

As the region begins to mourn its losses, clean up, rebuild and seek a return to normalcy, assistance will be required from those who can provide it. We can do no less than give generously and compassionately.