These actions are initiated within hours of the disaster onset and start with a hazard ranking using the following steps to identify most urgent priorities:

• Identify waste issues: Determine geographical distribution of disaster waste through governmental sources, hazard identification, geographical information systems, news and information gathered from local agencies as well as communities
• Characterise waste: Quantity, composition and quality of the identified waste streams and dumps/landfills through site visits and waste sampling/analyses even if it is cursory
• Map waste: Compile the above data in a waste map of the affected area. The map will be a valuable tool throughout the process and can be updated as further information becomes available
• Assess waste: Develop a plan outlining necessary actions and next steps for affected areas. Where waste is present, determine if there is also a ‘pathway’ and a ‘receptor’ for hazardous substances
• Prioritise Actions: Each identified waste stream and/or issue is given a ‘common sense’ ranking based on the guide found

See below for relevant tools and resources.