Circular Economy principles for waste management
Workshop on Solid Waste Management towards a Circular Economy in Vietnam: Policies and Enforcement
Participants of the workshop are representatives of various waste experts, government officials of Hanoi and Quang Ninh province, and local business representatives
HSF
In the context of developing a circular economy to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, research, exchange, and sharing of information among stakeholders on solutions and models to improve policies and enhance the effectiveness of solid waste management in Vietnam is essential. The objective of the workshop was to share and discuss the implementation of policies, experiences, and models for solid waste management and treatment, as well as the role of stakeholders in the context of circular economy development.
The workshop drew significant attention and feedback from managers, experts, scientists, business representatives, socio-political organizations, community organizations, and media outlets from Hanoi and Quang Ninh. Delegates presented various research reports and successful models in waste management, with a focus on recycling and reuse initiatives within communities. They also highlighted the challenges in enforcing current policies and proposed specific solutions to improve waste management efficiency. From the local environmental management perspective, Doan Duy Vinh, Head of the Quang Ninh Provincial Department of Environmental Protection, shared that the Resolution of the 15th Quang Ninh Provincial Congress has identified one of its key goals: to make Quang Ninh a model for successfully implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in the areas of natural resources, environmental protection, and climate change response, in line with the National Green Growth Strategy.
Group discussions on circular solutions for solid waste management in Vietnam
HSF
During the workshop, Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ly, Founder of the Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR) shared successful models emphasizing the role of communities in waste management toward a circular economy. She stressed the importance of provincial-level efforts to promote and disseminate these practices to agencies and communities, develop guidelines for waste sorting, and ensure proper implementation. At the district level, Ms. Ly highlighted the need for clear instructions on setting up waste collection points, providing sufficient solid waste containers, and ensuring ongoing monitoring and supervision. For households and other entities, waste sorting at the source is essential, with collection companies responsible for transporting and processing the waste. She underscored the importance of clear instructions, adequate containers, and practical examples, as well as ensuring convenient access to collection points.
Sharing their experience in waste collection in Ha Long Bay, a representative of the Ha Long Bay Management Board noted that in addition to organizing vehicles and workforce to collect waste from coastal areas, buffer zones, and core heritage areas, they regularly organize campaigns to clean up floating waste. Floating trash bins have also been installed across the bay to minimize the spread of waste in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The workshop featured group discussions, providing participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore potential cooperation in the field of solid waste management.