Abstract
The aim of this study is to show prospects for the practice of and research related to estimating the amount of disaster waste. The paper looks at these issues from the viewpoint of disaster response and management. Our hope is that this can contribute to both preparedness and response for future disaster waste scenarios. A total of 23 different estimation methods were identified from our literature survey covering two academic journal databases (JDreamⅢ, CiNii). These were then categorized and analyzed for their potential role in different disaster management phases. Results reveal that the estimation methods which are currently in use or being developed have different characteristics in terms of scope, universality, and information needed for estimation. Such implications indicate a need to clearly acknowledge the applicability in these different situations. We finally propose strategies for estimating the amount of disaster waste according to the types of disasters and the phases of the disaster, keeping in mind the differences in access to information. We introduce research issues where priority must be given in order to fully realize these strategies.
