Municipal Solid Waste Management in Vietnam: Status and the Strategic Actions

Abstract

In Vietnam, municipal solid waste (MSW) has being become increasing complex due to variety of reasons as the increasing quantity, changing composition of MSW, rising public awareness and municipal administration policies among different cities and surrounding communities. There is not currently an efficient management system in place for facilities such as storage, collection, transfer, transportation and disposal of MSW. Against this backdrop, this paper attempts to analyze the present system of MSW addressing variety of aspects such as quantity and composition of MSW generation, operational management, legal system as well as financial aspect. The systematic assessment has revealed the problems like lack of legal framework, low coverage, improper waste storage, less encouragement for composting, and lack of proper disposal practices. Finally, an action plan is proposed suggestion for current and future addressing the issues as the operational management, institutional, financial aspect, public participation, environmental education, and legal and policies.