Boosting Socialization and Diversifying Investment Sources in Solid Waste Management

The weak and unreasonable management of solid waste is one of the two causes leading to the environment pollution (over land, water source and air). For example, the leaked water from non-standardized dumps has polluted both surface and underground water while the nasty odour from those is contaminating the air. Scientific research shows that nearly 22 human diseases involve the weak management of solid wastes. 

 

Although toxic solid waste accounts for only 1 per cent of total solid wastes, weak and unreasonable management of it will significantly impact people’s health and environment. In Vietnam, in the context of urbanization and industrialization with the increase of industrial and processing parks, the awareness of people and authority on management of solid waste is inadequate. Also, the management work in localities has not yet been paid sufficient attention. Most authorities have not yet been awakened to the common responsibility of solid waste treatment, which does not depend on any single unit. The reduction of natural resource usage and increased reuse and recycling have not yet come into full effect. The classification, collection and transportation of solid wastes have not become popular, just piloted in some urban areas instead. In addition, the collection of domestic solid wastes and toxic industrial and medical waste, without classification, will be particularly harmful to the environment and public health, especially the health of collectors. The common method of domestic solid waste disposal is currently discharging at open-cast dumps. 

Under the master planning of medical solid waste management till 2025 submitted to the Prime Minister by the Ministry of Construction, by 2015, all toxic medical solid wastes will be collected, classified and transported to treatment establishments. Of the total, 70 per cent will be treated in accordance with environmental standards. By 2025, all of toxic medical solid wastes at clinics will be collected, transported and treated in accordance with environmental standards. The Ministry has proposed to initially focus on a project of raising the management and treatment capacity of toxic medical wastes. The project is scheduled to be carried out in the three phases with total investment of VND122.1 billion. The Ministry estimates that by 2015 the volume of toxic medical solid wastes will reach 50 tons per day and 90 tons per day by 2025. Obviously, it’s urgent for Vietnam to plan the treatment system of toxic medical solid wastes in order to improve the environment, ensure public health and contribute to socio-economic development. The treatment establishments for toxic medical solid wastes should be built in connection with provincial and regional treatment establishments and equipped with advanced techniques.  

Nguyen Hoa Binh, Head of the Vietnam General Department of Environment’s Bureau of Waste Management and Environment Improvement, said Vietnam needs to boost the socialization and diversify investment sources in solid waste management; as well as review the effectiveness of master planning of solid waste management (including toxic medical solid wastes) for regions, provinces, industrial and processing parks, and urban areas. The country should resolutely end dumps which seriously pollute the environment; support programs of classifying wastes; recycling and reducing solid waste discharge; encourage and expand clean and environment-friendly production models such as autolytic bags.              

Binh also added that Vietnam should increase the localization rate in producing equipment for the collection, transportation and treatment of wastes; applying strict punishments on polluters; raising awareness of and educating environment protection; increasing the inspection system as well as punishment sanctions.