For these regulations to be implemented effectively, specialised agencies and local authorities need to continue improving guidance documents, investing in technical infrastructure and human resources, and organising campaigns to enhance community awareness.
Many difficulties and obstacles remain
Statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) show that the amount of household solid waste has been continuing to increase across the country. Currently, the total solid waste produced daily is over 67,877 tonnes, with 38,143 tonnes in urban areas and 29,734 tonnes in rural areas. Regarding collection and transportation in 2023, the rate was 96.60% in urban areas and 77.69% in rural areas.
According to Nguyen Thanh Lam from the MONRE’s Environmental Pollution Control Department, current solid waste management in Vietnam faces several challenges. Source separation has not been implemented uniformly across localities, while waste collection services are inadequate in many rural and mountainous areas.
In addition, there is a lack of collection and transportation equipment, as well as gathering and transfer points that meet regulations, which results in prolonged waste accumulation causing environmental pollution.
Furthermore, regulations on collection, transport and treatment costs are incomplete, and landfill technology remains predominant. Investment capital mainly comes from the state budget, while private sector investment remains small.
To address these issues, the 2020 Environmental Protection Law stipulates that from January 1, 2025, household solid waste must be sorted at each household before collection, gathering, and transport.
Specifically, household solid waste is classified into three groups. Group one consists of recyclable solid waste: paper, plastic, metal, glass, fabric, leather goods, wooden items, rubber, and electronic equipment.
Group two consists of food waste: leftover food, expired food products, vegetables, tubers, fruits, and discarded parts from food preparation and processing.
Group three consists of other household solid waste: hazardous waste, bulky waste, and remaining waste.
Notably, the 2020 Environmental Protection Law stipulates that solid waste collection and transport facilities have the right to refuse collecting and transporting household solid waste from those who do not sort waste, do not use proper packaging, and must notify competent authorities for inspection and handling.
Hoang Duong Tung, Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, stated that the 2020 Environmental Protection Law contains many innovative contents oriented towards circular economy and green economy.
Regarding household waste management, there are several new points that need clarification, such as the first-ever mandatory requirement for source waste sorting rather than mere encouragement as in previous laws (failure to sort will result in collection refusal and fines).
Additionally, polluters must pay based on the amount of waste produced and must dispose of waste at designated times and places. Collection, transport and treatment service providers must meet technical and infrastructure requirements to properly handle sorted waste according to regulations.
However, current surveys show that most localities are still quite confused about implementation, even those that have already issued plans for source separation of solid household waste.
Households and waste generators still do not clearly understand how to sort waste, how to pay for waste collection, or where and how to dispose of sorted waste.
Furthermore, there is a shortage of environmental protection and solid waste management staff at district and commune levels. Infrastructure for collecting and treating household solid waste is not synchronised, and many landfill areas lack leachate treatment systems, leading to environmental pollution.
Meanwhile, waste treatment plants are reluctant to accept household waste. This is because collection costs are low; collection and transport service fees are low and do not cover expenses; and waste collectors in rural areas receive low income and inadequate benefits, making it difficult to retain this workforce long-term.
Public awareness remains limited, with many people considering waste collection solely the responsibility of environmental workers. Therefore, without careful preparation and a clear, specific roadmap, it will be very difficult to implement this policy effectively in practice.
Implementing the policy in practice
Hoang Van Thuc, Director of Environmental Pollution Control Department, stated that MONRE has issued a circular detailing the implementation of the 2020 Environmental Protection Law. Based on the ministry’s waste classification guidelines, localities can develop their own guidelines suitable to their specific conditions.
Simultaneously, the ministry has issued its “Technical Guidelines on Household Solid Waste Classification”, which provides identification of household solid waste types and classifies them into three main groups: recyclable solid waste, food waste, and other household solid waste.
The technical guidelines include illustrations and clear instructions on basic preparation and cleaning of waste before sorting. For waste paper, plastic and metal, for example, remove contained products then compress, flatten and reduce size and volume. For fabric, leather goods and wooden items that can be reused, keep the items clean and intact or compress them. Electronic devices should maintain their original form without disassembly.
Furthermore, MONRE has requested local authorities apply the technical guidelines on household solid waste classification to develop plans and implement household solid waste classification activities in their areas, ensuring compliance with the 2020 Environmental Protection Law and related guidance documents.
Key points to note include: Household solid waste classification aims to promote reuse and recycling of waste and discarded products, maximising value and extending product and material lifecycles; waste classification needs to align with existing environmental protection technical infrastructure and waste treatment technologies; and must be suitable for natural and socio-economic conditions, consistent with waste management content in provincial planning and national environmental protection planning.
Additionally, the ministry will continue to issue economic and technical standards for household solid waste collection, transport and treatment; add pricing methods for household waste collection and transport.
Associate Professor Bui Thi An, Director of the Institute of Resources, Environment and Development, believes that source separation of household solid waste is very beneficial and must be implemented. However, the government needs to continue providing specific directives for each province and locality.
Furthermore, local authorities are responsible for arranging and selecting infrastructure for household solid waste collection, transport, and treatment; monitoring implementation; conducting public awareness campaigns; guiding residents; and developing and issuing detailed regulations on pricing for waste collection, transport, and treatment services.
Simultaneously, they must provide residents with the easiest methods and means to sort waste, such as waste bins, disposal locations, and collection and transport schedules. These are crucial factors to the success of this policy.
