Managing post-disaster debris: the Japan experience

This report examines Japan's approach to handling debris management following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It captures the collaborative efforts between the Government of Japan and UNEP to address the aftermath of one of the most challenging and expensive disaster debris management operations in history. The document details the strategies employed, from waste segregation and recycling to the innovative use of technology and international cooperation.

It highlights the formation of a Task Force on Disaster Debris Management and the deployment of a UNEP International Expert Mission to Japan, aiming to share methodologies and lessons learned with other countries to enhance global disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The focus on maximizing recycling opportunities, employing local resources, and ensuring environmental safety demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to disaster recovery, emphasizing the need for a coordinated, efficient, and environmentally conscious strategy in managing post-disaster debris.