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Debris from collapsed buildings can obstruct reliefoperations, pollute groundwater, and threaten the localpopulation and relief workers with hidden dangers andfurther collapse. Proper clearing is essential for theshort- and long-term success of recovery efforts.

Protect yourself.

Wear boots,

gloves, dust masks,overalls and helmets, if

available. Wash and ifpossible disinfect your

hands regularly.

Enter

damaged buildingscautiously and only ifnecessary.

If you suspectwaste to be

dangerous, warnother workers and

notify authorities.When possible,

fence off the areaor secure the

waste in clearlylabelled containers.

!!DO

DO Store useful materials for rebuildingor recovery efforts, such as woodplanks, bricks, cement blocks and

containers and look for recyclingopportunities in local areas.

Initial clearing of debris and solid waste

DODon't mix wastes fromhospitals and clinics withother wastes. Store them in

sealed, labelled containers.

DONT

DONT

Avoid burning waste openly. Ifburning is necessary, locate a

properly operated incinerator.

DORemember the five

stages of debris removal:

Recover the living

Recover the deadRecover valuables

Clear for access

Clear for reconstruc-tion and recycling

DO

This information sheet was compiled from several sources by the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, Office for the Coordination

of Humanitarian Affairs, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland. Tel: +41 (0)22 917 3484, Fax: +41 (0)22 917 0257United Nations Officefor the Coordination of

Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

7/29/2019 7561 Emergency Waste Management Guidelines

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DODon't store wastes near or upwind of human

habitation, to avoid flies, rats, and bad smells.Don't leave wastes near hillsides where

rainwater drainage can flood

homes and camps.

DONT

If properly managed, a storage site for disaster

wastes will facilitate relief operations and subsequentrecovery and rebuilding. If badly managed, waste can

hamper relief operations for a long time.

Where best to deposit waste

Estimate the

amount of waste

expected, thespace required for its disposal,

and the typesof waste to be dealt

with. Instruct workers

in the safe handling of

hazardous materials such aschemicals, healthcare wastes

and biological materials.

DO

Separate wastes

according to theirreusability bricks,

concrete, timber,metal, solid

containers, etc.

DO

DONTNever deposit wastes near a watercourse, in a

flooded area or close to an environmentallysensitive area such as a forest or beach.DO

Consult local government and environmental

authorities. Use existing waste handling facilities

in the area before you set up a storage site.

CITY DUMP

DONTAvoid burning waste

openly. If necessary,

use a properly-operated incinerator to

burn healthcarewastes.

If waste cannot be

incinerated properly, thenstore it in areas with clay

DOPut temporary landfills

where they can be easilyaccessed by large trucks.

DOor solid rocks and

away from wellsand groundwater.

This information sheet was compiled from several sources by the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, Office for the Coordination

of Humanitarian Affairs, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland. Tel: +41 (0)22 917 3484, Fax: +41 (0)22 917 0257United Nations Officefor the Coordination of

Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)