MoNRE recently organized a workshop to discuss the implementation of household solid waste classification at the local level in the Northern and Central regions of Vietnam.

The workshop, chaired by Hoang Van Thuc, Director of the Department of Environmental Pollution Control under MoNRE, was attended by representatives from the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment (DoNRE) of 16 provinces and cities in the North and Central regions, as well as leaders from the Vietnam Women’s Union in these areas.

In his opening remarks, Hoang Van Thuc emphasized that in pursuit of sustainable development, the Party, National Assembly, and Government of Vietnam have consistently prioritized economic and social development alongside environmental protection. This approach has yielded positive results, laying the groundwork for further environmental protection efforts in the future.

However, the rapid urbanization and population growth have exerted considerable pressure on the environment, particularly in the management of household solid waste, which has been steadily increasing.

To address these issues, the 2020 Environmental Protection Law introduced groundbreaking regulations that fundamentally alter the management and treatment of waste, particularly household solid waste. One of the key innovations is the requirement to classify HSW into three categories: recyclable solid waste, food waste, and other household solid waste.

The law mandates that provincial People's Committees determine the specific classification of HSW, with the deadline for implementation set no later than December 31.

Currently, several challenges persist in managing HSW. Notably, the classification of waste at the source has not yet been uniformly implemented across localities. Additionally, many rural and mountainous areas lack adequate waste collection services.

The shortage of appropriate waste collection equipment and designated transfer stations has led to prolonged waste accumulation, resulting in environmental pollution and public discontent.

Moreover, landfill technology remains the primary method of waste disposal, accounting for 76.10% of all waste, with 75% of HSW treatment facilities relying on government support for operations.

Pham Van Thuan, Deputy Director of Hai Phong's DoNRE, reported that the city generates 1,950 tons of waste per day, with urban areas contributing approximately 1,000 tons and rural areas 950 tons.

Hai Phong aims to have 100% of household waste collected and hygienically treated by 2026 and to close all unsanitary landfills.

Although Hai Phong has been highly regarded by MoNRE for its exemplary models, the city still faces difficulties in implementing waste classification at the source. Public awareness of source classification is limited, and the infrastructure and transportation systems needed to support waste classification, recycling, and treatment are not yet fully developed, especially in rural areas.

In light of these challenges, the Hai Phong DoNRE representative urged MoNRE to promptly issue economic-technical norms for the collection, transportation, and treatment of HSW.

These norms would serve as a basis for local authorities to set maximum prices for investors, as well as for waste collection, transportation, and treatment facilities. Additionally, MoNRE was asked to establish financial support mechanisms for waste collection, transportation, and treatment activities.

Hoai Anh