Disaster waste management guidelines

These guidelines aim to improve the way disaster waste (DW) is handled in disasters. They represent much of the best current knowledge and lessons learned on DW management, and provide national authorities and international relief experts alike with sound and practical advice to help them manage DW. They are targeted at implementers of DW management projects. Their objective is to: (i) minimize risks to human life and health; (ii) reduce risks to the environment; and (iii) ensure that any value in the DW is realized, to the benefit of affected communities.

These guidelines were developed collaboratively by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, following a request by governments at the international Advisory Group on Environment Emergencies, and are based on extensive consultations with national and international stakeholders.