Japan is prone to natural disasters and thus the immediate processing of disaster waste is an important issue to be addressed. In contrast to normal conditions, disaster waste processing requires temporary shelters, final disposal sites, and the promotion of such intermediate processing as recycling amidst post-disaster confusion. At the same time, since natural disasters vary in type, size, and location, it is difficult to standardize procedures for waste processing, allowing only for post-hoc remedial measures in many cases. This study investigated the disaster waste processing situations in the 2014 Hiroshima sediment-related disaster and the Great East Japan Earthquake using both interviews and quantitative analyses. A further focus was directed to small and middle-scale disasters to illuminate current issues and possible solutions. Results suggest the importance of appropriate precaution measures, accurate situation analysis, and uninterrupted execution of planned operations.
