VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam Waste Solutions Inc. (VWS) can be able to import recyclable scrap on a pilot basis after Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Minh Quang signaled the green light while he was touring the firm’s facility in HCMC last Friday.

VWS general director David Duong (2nd, R) talks to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Minh Quang (R) during the latter’s visit to the Da Phuoc integrated waste management facility in HCMC last Friday.

Minister Quang said the current environment law and regulations disallow import of recyclable waste but there would be still a window of opportunity if proposals for scrap imports were considered on a case-by-case basis.

VWS was advised to send a petition to the Government, place a deposit and bear responsibilities for violations, if any, said Quang during his visit to VWS.

VWS general director David Duong said his company had invested US$120 million in its Da Phuoc integrated waste management facility, well above the earlier pledged US$90 million. However, VWS has been facing many difficulties in its operation process, especially a shortage of material for recycling.

For instance, a US$10-millon waste treatment plant at the complex has stopped operation in the past two years. A compost fertilizer facility there has also yet to turn out products, although VWS has injected over US$7 million in importing a waste screening line. The reason is that the city’s government has yet to apply waste classification.

Duong suggested VWS be allowed to import classified scrap to turn out production materials such as plastic and paper, which will then be exported. The firm also wants to take an additional 1,000 tons of waste per day in the city to run the compost fertilizer plant.

At present, VWS receives 3,000 tons of garbage from HCMC a day. It has processed nearly seven million tons of waste so far.

In March, the company will finish work on a power plant with the capacity of 12 MW and begin electricity generation within this year.

Source: SGT