Disaster Waste Management

Experience from around the globe demonstrates that developing a disaster waste management plan can greatly improve outcomes by building capacity within individuals and organisations to undertake waste management activities. Without contingency planning, debris from a disaster has the potential to overwhelm a city's waste and recycling infrastructure, impede disaster response and recovery activities. Managing the debris following a disaster has positive impacts on the health and well being of affected communities and the environment.

Disaster waste management can:

  • Greatly impact the speed and cost of recovery
  • Provide local employment following the disaster
  • Deliver recycled products to rebuild infrastructure in affected communities


Disaster Waste Management Capability Plan (2018) Disaster Waste Management Capability Plan (2018) (476 KB)

Disaster Waste Management Guidelines (2018) Disaster Waste Management Guidelines (2018) (4090 KB)

Disaster Waste Management Scoping Study - final report (2016) Disaster Waste Management Scoping Study - final report (2016) (2890 KB)