WHO Technical Note No. 7: Solid waste management in emergencies

The safe disposal of solid waste is critical for public health, and is especially true during an emergency. Not only will existing collection and disposal systems be disrupted, but there will be extra waste caused by the emergency itself. Initially, for camps of displaced people or refugees and similar new sites, there will be no arrangements in place at all. If solid waste is not dealt with quickly, serious health risks will develop which will further demoralize the community already traumatized by the emergency. This technical note highlights the key issues to consider in managing solid waste during and shortly after a disaster.

This is one of a series of four-page highly illustrated notes prepared by WEDC for the World Health Organization (WHO) to assist those working immediately or shortly after an emergency to plan appropriate responses to the urgent and medium-term water and sanitation needs of affected populations.

The notes are relevant to a wide range of emergency situations, including both natural and conflict-induced disasters. They are suitable for field technicians, engineers and hygiene promoters, as well as staff from agency headquarters.

Prepared for WHO by WEDC. Authors: Jonathan Rouse and Bob Reed. Series Editor: Bob Reed. Editorial contributions, design and illustrations by Rod Shaw Line illustrations courtesy of WEDC / IFRC. Additional graphics by Ken Chatterton.

© World Health Organization 2013. All rights reserved.