VietNamNet Bridge – The HCMC government is seeking ways to treat an increasingly huge volume of hazardous waste.

A resident in District 1, HCMC puts old batteries in a hazardous waste container – Photo: Van Nam

The HCMC Department of Natural Resources and Environment has issued 5,000 registration books for toxic waste owners.

Its data shows that the amount of hazardous waste has grown steadily over the years, from 250 tons/day in 2011 to 300 tons/day in 2012, 320 tons/day in 2013, 350 tons/day in 2014 and 400 tons/day in 2015.

The department forecast toxic waste would reach 700 tons per day by 2020, and 1,000 tons by 2025.

The waste is transported by more than 30 companies and treated by other 12 businesses specializing in harmful waste treatment. However, these entities are incapable of treating such a large amount of hazardous waste as they can treat 251 tons per day.

Moreover, they also treat toxic waste from neighboring provinces such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Tay Ninh.

Waste owners, and collection, transport and treatment companies have a loose relationship. Those discharging 600 kilograms per year or lower often find it hard to sign waste transport contracts with these companies due to high costs. Meanwhile, the city has not developed a hazardous waste collection system connecting waste owners and treatment firms.

This is why the city government has set up two industrial hazardous waste treatment projects in the North West Solid Waste Processing Complex in Cu Chi District, and Da Phuoc integrated waste management facility in Binh Chanh District.

The department is planning to improve the collection, transport and treatment of toxic waste all over the city in the short term. Accordingly, it will review and update the database on hazardous waste from industrial, commercial and service activities to develop an effective waste collection system.

SGT