SWANA’s International Road-E-O competition was held on October 14–15. It was co-hosted by the Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department (ESD). The Road-E-O featured more than 150 competitors, sponsors, and spectators. Congratulations to SWANA’s 2022 International Road-E-O winners:
- Top Gun: Mechanic – Marcus Nichols, City of Greensboro
- Top Gun: Landfill – Chase Weise, Clinton County Solid Waste
- Top Gun: Truck – Michael Manwill, Cascade Disposal
- Truck: Tractor Trailor – Raul Perez, City of San Antonio
- Truck: Front Loader – Michael Manwill, Cascade Disposal
- Landfill: Rubber Tire Loader – Roger Reeves, City of Tucson
- Truck: Rolloff – Alexander Grant, City of Clearwater
- Truck: Side Loader – Lavoris Huff, Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste
- Truck: Read Loader – Bryant Paulng, City of Charlotte
- Mechanic: Truck – Felix Rodriguez, City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management
- Mechanic: Landfill – Marcus Nichols, City of Greensboro
- Landfill: Compactor – Joshua Hesse, Dry Creek Landfill, Inc.
- Landfill: Dozer – Luis Vazquez, City of El Paso
- Landfill: Articulated Dump Truck – Chase Weise, Clinton County Solid Waste Authority
The competition of solid waste collection and landfill equipment operators, showcasing their skills, was the first one held since COVID-19 forced suspension of this annual event. It features skills competitions between operators of roll-offs, Automated Side Loaders, rear loaders, tractor-trailers, and landfill equipment, which attracted top talent from 14 of SWANA’s 47 chapters across the US, Canada, and The Caribbean. Over 150 competitors, judges, and guests were in attendance.
The Road-E-O is an opportunity for the community, employers, and the industry to recognize and acknowledge their best field personnel. Event goals include promoting professionalism on the part of drivers, equipment operators, and mechanics in the field of solid waste management. Ultimately, the Road-E-O fostered a spirit of competition and goodwill among SWANA chapters and industry leaders.
Ellen Smyth, Director of Environmental Services, City of El Paso, said: “The Texas Lone Star Chapter of SWANA was honored to host the 2022 International Road-E-O in El Paso, TX! A beautiful sunny day greeted our contestants followed by the awards dinner at one of the preeminent golf courses in the Southwest: Painted Dunes Golf Course. It was great to see so many new faces in El Paso and we hope everyone had a great time and will come back to see us soon.”
Brenda A. Haney, P.E., Solid Waste Director from the City of Lubbock, and SWANA’s Past President, echoed that enthusiasm: “The Road-E-O is one of my favorite things that SWANA does because it is a great way to recognize the work and talents of those on the front line in our industry. Of course, it is always an honor when our chapter, TxSWANA, gets to host the event. This year was extra special because we hadn’t held an event in a couple of years because of Covid. My hat is off to the staff at the City of El Paso and the Texas Lone Star Chapter for their work on the event and a special shout out to all the competitors – they were tremendous! Everyone had a really great time and the smiles and cheers at the awards banquet make it all worthwhile!”