Vietnam ramps up plastic waste recycling, reuse, treatment efforts
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the People’s Committee of the northern province of Quang Ninh, hold a meeting to mark the World Environment Day on June 1 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in colla𝄹boration with the People’s Committee of the northern province of Quang Ninh, held a meeting in response to the World Environment Day (June 5) and Month of Action for the Environment in Ha Long city on June 1.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh said this year’s global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”, initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is not only a call to action but also an urgent global warning, as plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world.
No country in the world can stand aside in the fight against plastic waste, he said, noting that the Vietnamese Government has actively participated in proposing global and regional cooperation mechanisms to reduce plastic waste at various international conferences and forums.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nghiem Xuan Cuong highlighted the province’s awareness of the importance of environmental protection and plastic pollution prevention. He said Quang Ninh has issued many relevant documents, creating a unified legal framework that treats environmental protection as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Notably, Co To district made history in 2022 by becoming the first island district in the country to introduce a dedicated anti-plastic waste initiative and resolution.
Public campaigns such as “Green Saturdays,” “Green Journeys,” and regular coastal cleanup drives, particularly around tourist hotspots like Hạ Long Bay, have been consistently maintained. These efforts have fostered environmentally conscious lifestyles, improved the environmental quality of tourism destinations, and raised awareness of sustainable consumption practices.
A corner of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the northern province of Quang Ninh. (Photo: VNA)
Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas. Many enterprises are now adopting biodegradable materials, using recycled packaging, and applying circular waste models in industrial zones.
Despite these encouraging results, Deputy Minister Thanh acknowledged that Vietnam continues to face significant challenges in managing and reducing plastic waste.
Through the Month of Action for the Environment, the ministry hopes to promote greater awareness and share successful models of plastic waste management and recycling. The country will turn challenges into opportunities and motivation to implement a circular economy, along with a knowledge-based economy with technology to reduce plastic emissions, he said.
On this occasion, local fishermen were provided with life jackets while tour boats operating in Ha Long Bay received glassware sets to replace single-use plastics. The Ha Long Bay Management Board was also presented with non-woven fabric bags to support green tourism.
The event also featured a series of side activities, including interactive exhibitions showcasing innovative recycling models and plastic waste reduction solutions. Highlights included creative recycled products and circular economy initiatives./.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, approximately 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated in Vietnam every year, with between 0.28 - 0.73 million tonnes of this waste ending up in the oceans. Only 27% of plastic waste is recycled or repurposed by businesses and facilities.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
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