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From Policy to Action: Bridging the Gap
In the face of mounting household waste, the Party and state have proactively responded by issuing a series of directives and guidelines that outline strategies for resource management and environmental protection. These include:
Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW (June 13, 2013), enacted by the 11th Party Central Committee, which focuses on environmental protection.
Conclusion No. 81-KL/TW (June 4, 2024), emphasizing the promotion of a circular economy. This conclusion also addresses the development of infrastructure for waste sorting, collection, and treatment, as well as the recycling industry. It further stresses the importance of combining treatment processes with energy recovery and limiting landfill reliance.
Resolution No. 81/2023/QH15, which outlines the National Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a long-term vision extending to 2050. This resolution underscores the priority of environmental protection, advocating for waste sorting at the source, a gradual reduction in landfill usage, and a transition to modern treatment facilities.
Decision No. 611/QĐ-TTg (July 8, 2024), approved by the Prime Minister, introduces the National Environmental Protection Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision towards 2050. This decision aims to establish a synchronized system of centralized waste treatment zones, ensuring adequate capacity and technology at the national, regional, and provincial levels.
While the policies and legal framework are comprehensive, the true test lies in their implementation. The challenge now is to translate these policies into tangible actions that address the waste management challenges faced by our communities.
Pham Minh Cuong, Deputy Head of the Waste Management Department, emphasizes that successful regulation implementation depends on the commitment of authorities and socio-political organizations at all levels. He highlights the importance of tailored plans that incorporate waste sorting methods suited to each locality’s unique waste characteristics. Additionally, these plans should integrate sorting seamlessly with waste collection, transportation, and treatment processes. A gradual and progressive approach is recommended, starting with small-scale pilot schemes before full-scale implementation, particularly regarding waste collection fees based on volume and weight.
In terms of communication, Truong The Khoi, Deputy Head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Dong Da District, Hanoi, asserts that effective solutions hinge on raising awareness and fostering a mindset shift. He suggests starting with educational initiatives in schools, empowering students to learn about the environment, practice waste sorting, and understand the critical role they can play in reducing plastic waste.
Le Thi Tuyet Nhung, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Long Thanh My Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, underscores the importance of instilling waste sorting habits in households. To achieve this, she emphasizes the need to enhance community engagement and leverage digital transformation for effective communication and education on environmental protection and waste sorting.
Modernizing Waste Collection Systems and Technology
Addressing the waste treatment challenge requires a dual focus on technology and infrastructure. Localities must invest in modern waste treatment technologies that generate power and employ environmentally friendly recycling methods. This entails researching and selecting suitable technologies and transitioning away from outdated practices. The state has a pivotal role in assessing and piloting energy recovery models from waste, identifying successful initiatives, and replicating them nationwide. The development of waste-to-energy plants not only contributes to economic gains by processing landfilled waste but also actively addresses pressing environmental concerns.
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One exemplary unit leading the way in waste treatment technology is Bac Ninh EU-CONCH VENTURE New Energy Co., Ltd., which operates a waste-to-energy plant in Luong Tai District, Bac Ninh Province. By adopting advanced Japanese technology, they have achieved remarkable results in treating domestic waste in Vietnam, which is often characterized by high moisture content and the presence of soil and sand. Their waste incineration technology, utilizing furnaces at 1,000 degrees Celsius, effectively decomposes harmful substances. The exhaust gases are meticulously filtered through a baghouse reaction tower, and leachate is treated and reused within the plant, ensuring safe and environmentally friendly operations.
Professor Dr. Trinh Van Tuyen, former Director of the Institute of Environmental Technology, suggests that waste-to-energy projects should be included in the Power Master Plan VIII. He recommends the establishment of a certification mechanism by state agencies to encourage the adoption of appropriate waste management technologies. Additionally, he advocates for tax incentives, financial support for businesses embracing modern waste treatment technologies, and an increase in waste treatment service fees to motivate investment. A robust supervision and penalty mechanism should also be in place to address any violations.
To align waste management with the Net Zero goal and unlock economic benefits, it is crucial to invest in the necessary infrastructure for waste collection, storage, transportation, and post-sorting treatment. Local committees must take the lead in planning and allocating land for waste processing facilities, as well as providing funds for constructing and operating waste collection, storage, transfer, and transportation systems. Waste transportation should follow designated routes and adhere to prescribed time frames to ensure efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
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