Emergency Waste Management

Why it matters

Waste problems grow quickly during outages, storms, supply disruptions, or shelter-in-place situations. Food scraps, spoiled items, pet waste, diapers, medical waste, and human waste all need different handling.

• Poor waste management attracts pests and increases odor.
• Leaking bags or open containers can contaminate food and water areas.
• Human waste should never be mixed casually with regular household trash unless local emergency guidance allows it.

Reduce waste before it builds up

• Use perishable food before it spoils when a power outage is possible.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator/freezer repeatedly.
• Use reusable containers when safe and practical.
• Flatten packaging to reduce volume.
• Choose meals that create minimal trash during an outage.

Separate waste streams

• Dry trash: packaging, paper, and non-food waste.
• Food waste: scraps, spoiled food, and anything that attracts pests.
• Sanitation waste: toilet backup bags, diapers, wipes, and hygiene waste.
• Hazardous waste: batteries, fuel, chemicals, medications, sharps, and broken electronics.
• Pet waste: litter, bags, or bedding that should be sealed separately.

Contain odor and pests

• Use heavy-duty bags and double-bag wet or smelly waste.
• Use lidded bins, buckets, or totes when available.
• Add absorbent material to wet waste when needed.
• Keep waste away from kitchens, sleeping areas, doors, and windows.
• Do not leave food waste accessible to insects, rodents, pets, or wildlife.

Human waste and hygiene waste

Human waste needs more caution than normal trash. Keep it sealed, labeled if necessary, and separated from food, water, and living areas.

• Use a dedicated toilet backup system with liners and absorbent material.
• Tie and double-bag waste when needed.
• Wear gloves when handling bags or contaminated items.
• Wash or sanitize hands afterward.
• Follow local emergency guidance for temporary storage and final disposal.

After services return

• Inspect stored waste for leaks before moving it.
• Dispose of waste according to local instructions.
• Clean and disinfect bins, buckets, floors, and surfaces.
• Replace used gloves, bags, absorbent material, and cleaning supplies.
• Review what ran out and restock for next time.

First steps

1. Store heavy-duty trash bags, gloves, wipes, sanitizer, and lidded containers.
2. Choose a temporary waste storage area away from food and sleeping spaces.
3. Create a separate plan for food waste, sanitation waste, and hazardous items.
4. Add absorbent material for wet or human waste.
5. Write down local waste/disposal guidance sources.
6. After a disruption, clean and restock your waste supplies.