14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM
Log in
Hanoi

Hanoi needs to learn international experience in urban solid waste management

Hanoi is advised to head the country in urban solid waste management to meet demand for circular economy development, based on technological diversification.

The development of circular economy, with a focus on recycling scrap and garbage, is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly way for development in Vietnam's big cities, especially in the capital city of Hanoi.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan made the statement at an international workshop in Hanoi on August 14.
 
An overview of the international workshop. Photo: Nguyen Ngan
An overview of the international workshop. Photo: Nguyen Ngan
This is the first international workshop held in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's scientific and technological program of activities on urban solid waste management and circular economy development. 

Addressing the workshop, Deputy Minister Vo Tuan Nhan said that the application of circular economy in urban solid waste management in some countries has brought remarkable results.

In Vietnam, solid waste in 2015 rose 1.6-fold from 2010. The volume is forecast to surge 2.37-fold by 2020 and 3.2-fold by 2025 while solid waste per capita will soar from 0.95kg per day in 2009 to 1.6kg by 2025, Nhan said.

He added that his ministry has asked Hanoi to be a pioneer in applying international experiences, to keep pace with the world’s advanced management methods and tools, as well as to learn and apply the leading technologies in urban solid waste treatment.

For his part, Dr. Sunil Herat from Australia’s Griffith University said the United Nations Environment Program has sent out a message that without actions, humans will spend a cost 5-10 times higher in the next decade to recycle wastes. 

In 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) sequence, he suggested adding another R which is ‘repair’, meaning that manufacturers should offer easy-to-repair products, thus making it easier to effectively reuse them and mitigating solid wastes. 

Dr. Kim In Hwan, a policy expert from South Korea, said buried waste in his country dropped rapidly from 96% to 13% in 2013, while recycled waste increased sharply.

Food waste has been banned from direct burial since 2005, and is now recycled into animal feed, Kim stressed.

A Finnish representative said Finland is implementing the European Union's directives in sorting waste at source, recycling daily waste from households.

Besides, Finland also has built factories to extract nutrients from food waste and turn methane into electric power, the representative noted, adding that “Finland is willing to support Vietnam’s cities, especially Hanoi, in this field.”

"Hanoi must head the country in urban solid waste management to meet demand for circular economy development, based on technological diversification. The city needs to prioritize technology suitable with its economic conditions. The capital also needs to soon determine a route to end burying waste," Deputy Minister Vo Tuan Nhan told Hanoitimes.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Australian visitors enjoy hands-on banh chung making

Australian visitors enjoy hands-on banh chung making

The experience became an emotional highlight, helping connect visitors with local culture and leaving vivid and memorable impressions.

Hanoi seeks continued JICA support for science-driven development

Hanoi seeks continued JICA support for science-driven development

JICA is expected to continue contributing positively to Hanoi’s development under its 100-year vision.

Hanoi Party Chief pledges full support for artists, scientists

Hanoi Party Chief pledges full support for artists, scientists

Hanoi is sharpening its development strategy around institutional reform, long-term planning and innovation-led growth, as city leaders underline the role of science, culture and human capital in shaping the capital’s next phase.

Eco-friendly products draw crowds at Hanoi’s Spring Fair 2026

Eco-friendly products draw crowds at Hanoi’s Spring Fair 2026

Featuring 3,000 booths on fostering high-quality eco-conscious Vietnamese products, the fair aims to enhance consumer trust in domestic brands, promote economic growth and sustainable green consumption trends.

Hanoi merges six city press outlets into new Media Group

Hanoi merges six city press outlets into new Media Group

Hanoi has launched a new city-level media agency by merging six local press organizations, a move city leaders say will strengthen political communication, modernize journalism and support the capital’s long-term development strategy.

Hanoi tightens population management to protect voters’ rights

Hanoi tightens population management to protect voters’ rights

Senior city officials reviewed election readiness across six wards, focusing on voter registration, coordination among agencies and challenges caused by high population mobility.

Hanoi Museum welcomes Tet with Dragon Horse Heritage Exhibition

Hanoi Museum welcomes Tet with Dragon Horse Heritage Exhibition

As Tet approaches, one of the capital’s largest cultural institutions is reopening with expanded access and a renewed focus on public engagement.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter bursts into spring colors with flower market

Hanoi’s Old Quarter bursts into spring colors with flower market

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Hanoi’s Old Quarter awakens in full bloom as the 2026 Spring Flower Market weaves color, tradition and everyday rituals into a vibrant cultural tapestry for residents and international visitors.