The ministry has recently released guidelines stating that it is mandatory to sort solid domestic waste into three distinct categories: recycled waste, organic waste, and other waste.
Recycled waste refers to various materials such as plastic, paper, metal, and glass that have the potential to undergo reprocessing in order to be transformed into reusable products, materials, and substances.
To prevent the spread of unpleasant odors and wastewater, it is essential to properly handle the second type of waste known as organic waste, specifically food waste. This can be achieved by securely wrapping it in leak-proof bags and packaging.
The third category, known as other waste, encompasses hazardous materials such as packaging for pesticides and insecticides, containers holding chemicals, and refuse generated from industrial and healthcare establishments.
Last year, a new legislation called the Law on Environment Protection was enacted, bringing along significant changes. One notable provision within this law is the empowerment it grants to sanitation workers; now, they possess the right to decline the collection of unsorted trash.
Last year, a directive was introduced by the government mandating that households will be subject to a fine of VND1 million (US$41) for each occurrence if they fail to properly separate their domestic waste.
Despite its existence, the law has yet to be effectively implemented. Many residents, particularly those residing in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, have continued to disregard waste sorting regulations by disposing of trash without any segregation.
Residents have expressed frustration, stating that their attempts to separate waste into different categories have often proved futile. This is due to the fact that in many instances, regardless of their efforts, trash collectors tend to combine all types of garbage into a single cart.
