Conference raises awareness of waste management and recycling

The issue was raised at a conference held in Hanoi on Wednesday. This is a chance to raise public awareness of waste management, usage and recycling.

These incinerators imported from Thailand are being used for waste treatment in Vinh Phuc province. With the capacity to burn 6 tonnes of waste per day, this is seen as an effective way to manage and recycle waste in Vietnam.

"Since these modern incinerators have been put into use, landfill waste has been minimized. With waste effectively treated, there is less effect on the environment." - Hoang Van Chien, Head, Environmental Hygiene Cooperative, Vinh Tuong Town, Vinh Phuc Province

How to handle solid waste was also a topic at the international conference in Hanoi on Wednesday. Participants underlined the need to take suitable measures on the issue, including applying modern technologies, managing and recycling waste, changing consumption habits and raising awareness.

"There are many difficulties in solid waste management. Vietnam needs a comprehensive policy to monitor the waste treatment process in the country. We need to come up with effective methods." - Ph.D Nguyen Huu Ninh, Center for Environment Research Education and Development.

According to international experts, implementating the 3R practice - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle - is the key to waste management in Vietnam.

Experts recommend that Vietnam begin classifying its waste; people should also be encouraged to use recycled products, and organize activities to keep their communities clean.