Brian Jeffrey
Mounting waste on the streets of Hanoi is negatively impacting the environment.
Despite continuous initiatives, improper waste disposal is still prevalent in many areas of Hanoi, resulting in environmental deterioration. Overflowing garbage trucks, strewn plastic bags, and scattered refuse are common sights.
Improper garbage dumps are scattered around Hanoi, not only polluting the environment and ruining the city’s appearance but also posing health hazards to residents nearby, such as in Alley 76, An Duong.
Inspections of trash bins at designated sites indicate a lack of strict waste sorting at the source. Organic and inorganic waste are mixed, hampering the recycling process.
As part of a trial program lasting until early 2025, household waste sorting has been initiated in five inner-city districts in Hanoi. Moreover, bulky waste collection points have been set up across various wards to ensure effective waste sorting city-wide.
Sanitation workers face challenges as residents often bring unsorted waste to collection points, making recycling difficult and requiring manual sorting.
With Hanoi producing around 7,000 tons of household waste daily, raising public awareness about proper waste disposal is crucial to the process. Many individuals still dispose of recyclable materials and organic waste together.
The Hanoi Urban Environment Company (URENCO) has introduced a trial project to enhance waste sorting, with positive community engagement observed.
Participants in the trial who bring sorted waste to collection points receive small rewards like fabric softeners, soaps, detergents, and reusable bags.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, a dedicated 67-year-old Hanoi resident known for her environmental commitment, expressed her efforts in favor of waste reduction and recycling by collecting and exchanging bottles and cans for gifts at collection points.
