In an official document dated August 15, signed by CEO Duong David Trung, VWS  -  the operator of the Da Phuoc Integrated Waste Management Complex  -  announced it would extend the current waste reception and treatment arrangement until November 30, 2025. This extension provides the city with time to negotiate with the company and reorganize its garbage collection and transportation system.

For the night of August 15, VWS confirmed that its facilities at Da Phuoc were prepared to receive waste as usual. The company explained that this move was intended to ensure the smooth operation of waste collection, transportation, delivery, and reception without disruptions or environmental problems caused by a hasty shift in schedule.

According to the notice, VWS will begin switching to a night-time reception schedule (from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) starting December 1, 2025.

The company also requested the city to make timely monthly payments for waste treatment services under the existing contract. VWS warned that if the city failed to coordinate on the proposed timetable, it might incur additional costs because the complex would be forced to operate continuously 24 hours a day.

Da Phuoc began operations on November 1, 2007, initially receiving garbage only during nighttime hours (6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.). However, after November 30, 2024, Ho Chi Minh City increased its assigned waste volume to more than 5,000 tons per day, forcing the complex to open 24 hours to avoid traffic congestion and allow garbage trucks to make multiple trips daily.

Since early 2025, the city has reduced the assigned volume back to around 4,000 tons per day and has not paid treatment fees, according to the company. “These two factors have created a heavy burden,” the company’s statement said. “High operating costs for a smaller volume of waste, combined with delayed payments, have placed significant financial pressure on the company.”

From May to July 10, 2025, VWS sent four letters to city authorities and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE), announcing plans to revert to nighttime reception hours at Da Phuoc. On July 10, the company officially notified that it would restrict reception to 6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. starting August 15.

However, on August 14, the city’s DONRE urgently requested VWS to delay the new schedule until October 1 to allow time to work with districts and waste transport units to adjust collection hours. The department asked the company to cooperate in order to maintain urban sanitation and order.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City generates an estimated 13,000 tons of household waste per day. Of this, around 3,000 tons is recycled or reused, while the rest is transported to treatment facilities across the city.

Tran Chung