Removing and disposing of the debris generated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami are crucial parts of the recovery process as the people in the devastated region move forward with rebuilding their communities.
More than three months after the magnitude 9.0 quake, splintered wood, concrete blocks, steel reinforcing bars and all kinds of other waste are gradually being cleared from commercial and residential areas. The wreckage is brought to temporary collection points that are rapidly growing into mountains of rubble.
Even so, piles of flotsam still remain visible in many communities, and removing it all will take many more months — and the disposal will take years. Local governments are facing many challenges as they fight to manage the unprecedented amount of debris.