The adoption of the industrial ecology principles in post-disaster waste management

Abstract

A global increase in the occurrence of natural disasters is documented. In the management of such events, waste and debris removal and treatment methods are important. Indeed, a sustainable management of the event's aftermath should include whether and how these materials can be recyclable or recoverable. The economic side obviously plays also a major role. This paper builds on a flood experience in Italy to discuss the application of the principles of industrial ecology in post-disaster waste management. More specifically it focuses on the management of materials deposited by floodwaters. This paradigm shows how they can be treated innovatively and sustainably. Finally, a carefully designed municipal/regional plan could help tackle issues, such as the materials surplus that would need to be inserted in already-existing eco-industrial supply chains and the capacity of the territory to return to its status prior to the disaster.