Capacity gaps in post disaster construction & demolition waste management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the identification of the existing capacities of post disaster C&D waste management in developing countries, with a special emphasis on Sri Lanka to determine the capacity gaps and related influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach – Multiple case studies and expert interviews were conducted to gather primary information on the existing capacities of disaster C&D waste management. Three case studies, including 15 individuals and six experts representing government, non-government institutions and others, were selected.

Findings – The results revealed the existing capacities, capacity gaps and influencing factors for post disaster C&D waste management in the areas of skills and confidence building, links and collaborations, continuity and sustainability, research and development, communication andcoordination, organisational implementation and investment in infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications – This study limited disaster C&D waste to debris generated from totally or partially damaged buildings and infrastructure as a direct impact of natural disasters orfrom demolished buildings and infrastructure at rehabilitation or at early recovery stages.

Originality/value – The research enabled an analysis of existing capacities and identified capacity gaps in post disaster C&D waste management with influencing factors developing countries.