The Actual Situation of Waste-related Work from the Viewpoint of Disaster Waste Management and Measures in Normal Times

Abstract

The actual situation and characteristics of waste-related work undertaken at municipalities in normal times is investigated from the viewpoint of disaster waste management, based on the results of 747 responses from our national municipality questionnaire survey. At the same time, we examined the effectiveness of disaster waste countermeasures taken during normal times.
　As for smaller municipalities, works related to waste management are being conducted in a state of staff shortage. As a consequence, while the works conducted in response to inquiries from residents and waste collection and transportation are prioritized, a high percentage of smaller municipalities do not perform the work for the formulation of waste management plans. The survey results suggest that the formulation of a waste process implementation plan would be effective, as it will draw an overall picture of the business flow, calculate the planned process amount, and develop contracts. The results also suggest that the opportunity to systematically understand and organize the flow of waste treatment would be a strengthening point for measures to be taken in normal times, along with responding to resident inquiries.