We have evolved from an initiative taken by leading waste managers working in the humanitarian sector. Our aim is to provide timely waste management support to communities affected by disasters and conflicts.

The core group of DWR comprises waste management experts with extensive experience in disaster relief from a wide range of organisations including the UN, World Bank, national government agencies, international NGOs as well as private waste companies and environmental consultancies.

Key founding members of DWR

Seed funding for the establishment of DWR has been kindly provided by Golder Associates (www.golder.com).

The group is actively supported by Engineers for Disaster Relief (RedR), the British Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).

We assist the key stakeholders in the:

• Development of sound, appropriate and affordable waste management systems for communities in emergencies,
• Embedding preparedness planning and systems to cope with wastes in disaster vulnerable communities,
• Sustainability of the implemented waste management systems, including empowerment and training of beneficiaries and institutional strengthening,
• Clean up works following natural disasters or civil unrest/conflicts, including rehabilitation of collection and disposal systems,
• Working with donor and reconstruction agencies to focus their investments towards sustainable and affordable solutions.

We are always looking for more members as well as technical and financial supporters. If you or your organisation would like support the group please contact us on info@disasterwaste.org or Martin Bjerregaard on tel: +44 (0)7971 49 29 57.