Solid waste management in emergencies

Author(s)
Rouse, J. and Reed, B.
Publication language
English
Pages
4pp.
Date published
01 Jan 2011
Type
Tools, guidelines and methodologies
Keywords
Urban, Water, sanitation and hygiene

 

The safe disposal of solid waste is critical for public health, and is
especially true during an emergency. Not only will existing collection and
disposal systems be disrupted, but there will be extra waste caused by
the emergency itself. Initially, for camps of displaced people or refugees
and similar new sites, there will be no arrangements in place at all. If
solid waste is not dealt with quickly, serious health risks will develop
which will further demoralize the community already traumatized by the
emergency. This technical note highlights the key issues to consider in
managing solid waste during and shortly after a disaster.