July 14, 2020

Disaster Debris Recovery Tool Expands Nationwide

One of the best ways to manage waste and debris generated from natural disasters is to take a proactive approach. In 2019, we discussed EPA’s updated guidance, Planning for Natural Disaster Debris. In June 2020, EPA updated its Disaster Debris Recovery Tool website to assist disaster response, recovery, and planning personnel “to advance the safe recovery, recycling, and disposal of disaster debris.” Initially supporting those operating in EPA Region 5, the tool now includes data for all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The website also provides links to several state and federal resources, including disaster recovery plan templates, disaster assistance programs, and even a loss estimation tool.

Navigating the Disaster Debris Recovery Tool

The Disaster Debris Recovery Tool is an interactive map providing information on over 20,000 facilities capable of managing numerous types of disaster debris. The tool categorizes facilities based on the types of services they provide, including:

Composters;
Construction and demolition debris recyclers;
Demolition contractors;
Electronics recyclers;
Household hazardous waste collectors;
Metal recyclers;
Tire recyclers;
Transfer stations;
Vehicle recyclers; and
Three types of landfills—construction and demolition debris, municipal solid waste, and hazardous waste.

Opening the tool starts the user with a map of the United States and an option to search by 1) category or location, or 2) physically outlining a portion of the map. Searching by category or location allows filtering by the facility types listed above, service company name, city, state, and EPA region. Based on the search criteria, the map will zoom in on highlighted facilities, color-coded to indicate their capabilities—landfill, recycling/recovery, or both. The results will also provide a facility address, phone number, and the all-important latitude and longitude.

A toolbar at the bottom of the map contains a few other options for filtering and presenting data. After developing the initial set of results, the tool allows users to sort information in a table format, apply an underlying base map, add data, take measurements, and print.

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Disclaimer

Considerable care has been exercised in preparing this document; however, McCoy and Associates, Inc. makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with the publication of this information. McCoy and Associates, Inc. expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state, or municipal law or regulation with which this information may conflict. McCoy and Associates, Inc. does not undertake any duty to ensure the continued accuracy of this information.

This document addresses issues of a general nature related to the federal RCRA regulations. Persons evaluating specific circumstances dealing with the RCRA regulations should review state and local laws and regulations, which may be more stringent than federal requirements. In addition, the assistance of a qualified professional should be enlisted to address any site-specific circumstances.