In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, residents and businesses in New Orleans were in desperate need of water and debris services. The city’s own contractor had left town, and seeing this opportunity, Sidney Torres — already a successful real estate developer — purchased roll-off containers and the equipment to haul off trash and debris.
Just five years later — led by Torres as CEO — SDT Waste and Debris Services LLC has more than 280 employees, 95 trucks and municipal contracts with the city of New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish, Loyola University, Tulane University and the Louisiana Superdome, to name a few.
SDT provides service in 17 parishes in southeastern Louisiana, and Torres’ goal is to provide waste removal services to all of Louisiana at an affordable price and with impeccable service.
SDT has been roundly praised by French Quarter businesses for keeping the historic district clean. During Mardi Gras, Torres personally leads his work force through cleanup until the early morning hours, even driving equipment himself. He has introduced innovative strategies to keep the Quarter clean, from investing in highly efficient sidewalk sweepers to adding a lemon scent to the water that flushes the streets every day.
Torres’ hard work is turning heads. He was featured in the Wall Street Journal, on NPR and on CNBC’s “American Dream.” He is a member of the board of directors of Keep Louisiana Beautiful and was appointed a Fleur de Lis Ambassador by New Orleans to help promote the city around the country.
Torres also has a passion for helping children and has donated dozens of guitars to the St. Bernard Parish Public School System. He has also provided students in Orleans, St. Tammany, St. Bernard and St. Charles Parishes with thousands of tickets to New Orleans Hornets basketball games.
How to reach: SDT Waste and Debris Services LLC, (504) 940-2177 or www.sdtwds.com
