Comprehensive waste management reform is necessary for Hanoi to address emissions

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has taken a drastic move to manage waste by issuing Plan No. 131/KH-UBND on May 13, 2025 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste management in the city by 2030. The Hanoi Times spoke with Bui Thi An, Director of the Institute for Natural Resources, Environment, and Community Development, to gain insight into the plan's key opportunities, challenges, and strategies for successful implementation.

What are the major advantages and challenges facing Hanoi when implementing its emission reduction plan for waste management?

Hanoi’s decision to adopt an emission reduction plan is both timely and necessary, as the city’s waste management system is under increasing strain.

One of the most pressing challenges is the rapid population growth, which directly contributes to rising waste volumes and emissions. Today, Hanoi generates around 6,700 tons of household waste per day, an increase of nearly 20% over the past decade. However, the majority of this waste remains unsorted at the source, hindering the effectiveness of treatment processes and reducing the potential for recycling or energy recovery.

Equally concerning is the city’s continued reliance on landfills as the primary method of waste disposal. Landfills are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The lack of effective technology to capture and treat these emissions further compounds the environmental risks.

In addition to technological limitations, funding remains a major constraint though Hanoi’s budget is relatively stable. The capital becomes essential to build and operate modern, integrated waste treatment systems. With many sectors competing for public investment, prioritizing waste management is complicated.

Institutional coordination also presents challenges. Misalignment between the planning, collection, transport, and treatment stages reduces the overall system efficiency. Even well-conceived plans might not produce results without synchronized implementation.

Finally, limited public awareness and participation pose a fundamental barrier. Despite communication campaigns, waste sorting is not yet widespread. Without strong community engagement and behavioral changes at the household level, Hanoi will face tough shifting toward modern waste treatment models and achieving the goals of a circular economy.

What does Hanoi need most for effective implementation of its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets in the waste management sector?

To effectively achieve its 2030 waste management and emissions reduction targets, Hanoi must begin with regulatory reform. The 2024 Capital Law offers special mechanisms that can help the city strengthen its policies on waste separation, treatment, and oversight. These reforms provide a critical foundation for long-term change.

At the same time, measurable objectives must be established across key sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and industry. Clear responsibilities should be assigned to each level of government and relevant agencies. Without defined tasks, timelines, and performance metrics, progress cannot be tracked, and accountability will be lacking. Leaders must be held responsible when targets are not met.

Technology is also vital. Hanoi needs to invest in advanced waste treatment solutions tailored to its local conditions, such as waste-to-energy incineration with strict emissions standards, and build a unified, real-time digital monitoring system for waste management operations across all districts.

Community engagement must not be overlooked, as results can come if residents fully understand the importance of waste reduction and take an active role in sorting and minimizing waste at the source.

How about coordination among agencies and localities in implementing the plan, given the city's unique urban characteristics?

As the capital and national center for politics, administration, science, and education, Hanoi possesses considerable advantages. It hosts numerous research institutes, universities, and a pool of innovative professionals. The city’s proximity to central ministries also facilitates smoother coordination compared to other provinces.

However, these strengths only lead to tangible results when there is genuine, consistent collaboration. Effective implementation requires all agencies and districts to work in sync. It's essential to have strong integration between waste management, urban development, transportation, and infrastructure planning. With political will and strategic execution, Hanoi can fully realize its potential.

Separating household waste at the source is a key aspect of the plan. How can Hanoi transition from pilot models to widespread, sustainable implementation?

Separation at the source is essential for effective waste management as it is the first step for recycling, reuse, and energy recovery.

Hanoi needs a carefully planned roadmap to scale it across the city. The first step should be a thorough assessment of the pilot programs to have findings for a bigger expansion and citywide implementation. Rushing this process without practical experience increases the risk of failure.

A transitional phase is strongly recommended. Hanoi should select areas with strong public awareness and adequate infrastructure to serve as demonstration sites to help refine the model before broader rollout. However, sorting waste at source is only effective if it comes with the next steps, such as collection, transportation, and treatment systems. The effective system would boost public confidence.

Hanoi must ensure each stage of the process is well-coordinated and transparent. When people see practical results, like cleaner neighborhoods and environmental improvements, they will be more likely to participate consistently and sustainably.

How would you assess Hanoi’s current digital infrastructure regarding the application of information technology in waste monitoring and management, and what improvements are needed to meet the goals?

Although Hanoi has taken initial steps to apply information technology in waste management, the current system remains inadequate. Data flows between sectors and administrative levels lack integration, limiting the city’s ability to manage waste effectively and respond promptly to issues on the ground.

To address these gaps, it's essential to continue investment in digital infrastructure, a fully interconnected system supported by on-site sensors, analytical software, and centralized platforms. Real-time monitoring will enable environmental authorities to detect overloaded routes, technical failures, and operational bottlenecks, allowing for timely intervention and more efficient management.

In addition, the city needs to encourage public-private partnerships. Many technology firms are open to collaboration, but they need clear and fair frameworks. Transparent data-sharing policies, well-defined roles, and balanced benefit-sharing mechanisms will help build trust and attract investment. At the same time, it's crucial to invest in smart technology.

By improving monitoring today, Hanoi can reduce long-term costs associated with pollution, public health, and system inefficiencies, while advancing toward sustainable urban development.

Thank you very much!