The role of solid waste management as a response to urban flood risk in developing countries, a case study analysis

Abstract

Solid waste management is a large and growing problem for countries in the developing world and is often a neglected aspect of urban management. However, poor waste management can contribute to the impact of urban flooding by blocking drainage, increasing debris and harbouring disease vectors. A review of the literature and analysis of case studies (both from the literature and from examples collected in the preparation of a global urban flood handbook) confirm that solid waste management is an emerging issue in flood risk management practice. Approaches to improve waste management included large municipal programmes and locally based community schemes. It was seen to be important that the management of waste is adopted as part of a wide integrated flood management programme. The research demonstrates that waste management can be an effective response to flood risk but, in order to remain successful, it requires that sufficient commitment and engagement can be mobilised in the long term. © 2012 WIT Press.