DISASTER WASTE MANAGEMENT: ANALYSIS OF ITALIAN CASE STUDIES

Abstract

The particular geomorphology of Italy territory makes it susceptible to numerous natural phenomena, like earthquakes, floods and landslides. When these events occur, large quantities of waste are generated in a relatively short period of time, producing a strong impact on the emergency management. Currently, in Italy, there are no specific guidelines or protocols for the disaster waste management. The creation of such documents would favour a more efficient management of the produced material, improving the management of the emergency, in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. This study analyses four relevant natural events that have recently hit the Italian territory, related to geological and hydrological phenomena (earthquakes and floods). Each type of disaster requires a different management, especially as regards the types of waste produced; the most significant variations are the type of event, the affected area (coastal or mountain) and the population density (urban or industrial). To date, the most used management method is empirical, based mainly on field experiences. This study aims to define the basis for the drafting of a future protocol for the disaster waste management, through the analysis of waste management generated by four natural events that have recently hit the Italian territory: L’Aquila earthquake 2009, Emilia earthquake 2012 and two floods in Genoa and Senigallia 2014.