Solid Waste Management in Post-Disaster Situations

Dsafe disposal of solid waste becomes complicated and usually takes a long time after disasters. This waste affects the existing solid waste collection and disposal systems severely. In most of the cases, solid waste management systems collapse due to the abrupt addition of massive amount of waste produced due to a disaster. Presence of solid waste in the living environment and contamination of surroundings (air, water, land etc.) expose the affected communities to the risk of direct or indirect contact with the waste leading to public health issues like risk of a disease outbreak. Various other challenges such as delay in rescue and relief efforts, mixing of multiple streams of waste and pilferage of hazardous waste create unprecedented situations that need to be managed after any disaster.

Scientific management of solid waste after disasters requires technical expertise and handling throughout its process from collection to final disposal. Yet, this area remains underemphasized, especially in the Indian context. Hence, the present paper is an attempt to draw focus on the issue of managing solid waste in post-disaster situations in the context of India and to prepare conclusions, recommendations and way forward for managing wastes during and after the disasters.