Disaster Waste Management Guidelines

2011 | Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit

Disaster waste is a well-recognized threat to health, safety and the environment, and can also be a major impediment to post-disaster rescue operations.Experience shows that disaster waste is often managed in an ad hoc manner, however, and that substantial improvements can be made in future response efforts. These guidelines, developed collaboratively by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency – or MSB for short – and the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, aim to do just that.  They represent much of the best current knowledge and lessons learned on disaster waste management, and provide national authorities and international relief experts alike with sound and practical advice to help them manage disaster waste.  They were developed following a request by governments at the international Advisory Group on Environment Emergencies, and are based on extensive consultations with national and international stakeholders.These guidelines are an important start to improving the management of disaster waste.  They must be complemented by efforts to ensure their uptake and regular use through a range of disaster management mechanisms.  We look forward to working with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve this.

Other Documents

Manual on Plastic Leakage Prevention from Formal and Informal Recycling Facilities, Nonthaburi - Thailand

2024 | Asian Institute of Technology, RRC.AP

The manual aim to support both formal and informal recycling enterprises in preventing plastic pollution by advocating best practices and promoting proper housekeeping within informal recycling facilities. 

Situation Assessment Report on Plastic Leakage Prevention from Formal and Informal Recycling Facilities, Nonthaburi - Thailand

2024 | Asian Institute of Technology, RRC.AP

The main goal of this study is to evaluate plastic and pellet losses and leakage from the logistical handling and pre-processing operations of informal recycling groups in Thailand, focusing on recovered post-consumer plastic waste and factory processing operations. The focus areas of this study are the Nonthaburi Municipality and Pattaya City.

Situation Assessment Report on the Prevention of Plastic and Resin Pellet Leakage from Formal and Informal Recycing Facilities, Vientaine - Lao PDR

2024 | Asian Institute of Technology, RRC.AP

This study was conducted following on a simplified three-step approach: 1) collect and analyse data and information relevant to plastic leakage from informal sector recycling; 2) engage with key stakeholders; and 3) disseminate the outcomes of the study.

Situation Assessment Report on Plastic Leakage Prevention from Formal and Informal Recycling Facilities, Maninla City and Iloilo City - Philippines

2024 | Asian Institute of Technology, RRC.AP

Situation Assessment Report on Plastic Leakage Prevention from Formal and Informal Recycling Facilities, Maninla City and Iloilo City - Philippines

Situation Assessment Report on the Prevention of Plastic and Resin Pellet Leakage from Formal and Informal Recycing Factories, Hanoi - Vietnam

2024 | Asian Institute of Technology, RRC.AP

Situation Assessment Report on the Prevention of Plastic and Resin Pellet Leakage from Formal and Informal Recycing Factories, Hanoi - Vietnam

Technical Guidelines for the Prevention of Plastics and Resin Pellet Leakage from Formal and Informal Recycling Facilities, Vientiane, LAO People's Democratic Republic

2024 | Asian Institute of Technology, RRC.AP

The guidelines aim to fill knowledge gaps and promote contextually appropriate best practices. They will also encourage industry actors to implement measures to prevent and contain plastic and pellet leakages. Based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the post-consumer plastic recycling value chain, which analyzed primary sources of plastic loss and leakage, including technology applications, resource availability, access, and regulatory and policy gaps, these guidelines are designed.