Disaster waste recovery and utilization in developing countries-Learning from earthquakes in Nepal

Abstract

This paper identifies the challenges and opportunities for disaster waste recovery and utilization in developing countries. In the introductory part, various types of disasters and related waste streams are identified. The first part of the paper highlights the four-step disaster waste management strategy. The first step is prevention strategy to take measures which can reduce the incidence and impact of the disaster waste. The second step is the preparedness strategy to plan for disaster waste removal, storage and recovery in case there is a disaster. The third step is removal strategy to sketch different scenarios with possible measures to promptly remove disaster waste to make a way for rescue and relief operations. The fourth and final step is recovery strategy to develop comprehensive plan for recovering materials and energy from disaster waste that may also be vital for the relief and reconstruction activities. Thereafter, concept of holistic waste is coined to integrate disaster waste management into regular waste management system for efficient and effective delivery. The second part of the paper identifies the challenges and opportunities for disaster waste recovery and utilization in developing countries. To recover and utilize disaster waste the basic pre-requisites are capacity and awareness, policy and institutions, and technology and infrastructure. The awareness at community and political level plays a vital role while the technical and financial capacity are the key requirements for the successful recovery and utilization of disaster waste. Policy framework and institutional arrangement is important, especially for prompt removal and storage of disaster waste (debris/rubble) as the situation just after disaster is very sensitive. Last but not the least, technology and infrastructure are essential for efficient recovery and utilization of the resources from disaster waste. The third part of the paper reviews the current situation of disaster waste management in Nepal after two devastating earthquakes. The data for the volume and composition of disaster waste in Nepal is being estimated as many buildings, which are badly damaged, are yet to be demolished. The data collection is a major challenge in many countries including Nepal due to limited resources, difficult terrains, and change in government's post-disaster priorities for relief operations. To support the disaster waste management in Nepal, UNEP IETC has started a comprehensive technical support. The fourth part of the paper provide information regarding UNEP IETC and its current projects including for disaster waste management. UNEP is supporting a comprehensive national waste management strategy for Nepal that will also include disaster waste management. The last part concludes the paper by emphasizing on the important factors to develop effective disaster waste management strategy and operations. These include the availability of local project teams with technical staff and laboratory, resources, stakeholder cooperation, teamwork among various levels of governments and international partners, and all the four steps for disaster waste management should be given proper importance instead of just focusing on disaster waste recovery and utilization.