Pacific disaster waste management guideline: a guideline for the establishment of a disaster waste working group (DWWG). April 2025

Abstract

This Guideline on the Establishment of a Disaster Waste Working Group for the Pacific provides practical guidance for Pacific Island countries and territories on how to form, structure, and operationalise a national Disaster Waste Working Group (DWWG). It outlines key steps, roles, and considerations necessary for establishing an effective coordination mechanism to support disaster waste preparedness, response, and recovery. The guideline is designed to help governments integrate disaster waste management into existing disaster risk reduction and environmental frameworks, ensuring a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach. By following the guideline, countries can strengthen their institutional readiness, enhance inter-agency coordination, and ensure timely and effective management of disaster waste, thereby contributing to more resilient and sustainable communities across the Pacific.