Following any disaster, large quantities of solid waste arise, posing both a threat to public health and seriously hindering reconstruction efforts. Uncontrolled dumping of wastes can have a significant negative public health and environmental impact through leaching of contaminants into soils and groundwater, increased vermin presence, negative odour and visual impacts. In addition, hazardous and healthcare wastes dumped openly are a source of potential harm to people, generating an increase in support needed, particularly critical during an emergency phase, and involving a greater amount of financial resources.

Nevertheless, these wastes can provide a valuable resource to the reconstruction works through recycling and reuse to provide construction materials and income generating opportunities. In addition, appropriate disaster waste response can be used as a catalyst to promote sustainable waste management solutions.

The need

There is a pressing need to provide timely solid waste management and environmental protection support to communities affected by emergencies, including natural disasters and following cessation of conflicts. There is also a need to establish a focal point for best practice, lessons learnt and key issues regarding disaster wastes, which will provide an open reference source for those responsible for the planning, design and implementation of disaster waste projects.