Hanoi pioneers deployment of modern sanitation technology

THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi People's Committee today [June 20] introduced a new fleet of sanitation vehicles and equipment for four downtown districts, aiming to improve urban environmental protection as well as the efficiency of waste collection and transport.

The move marks a key step in implementing the Hanoi People's Committee's Plan No. 366/KH-UBND dated December 13, 2024 to improve environmental sanitation in the historic districts of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, and Dong Da for better living conditions and a modern and civilized capital.

The motto "Modern Equipment – Smart Technology – Responsible People – A Bright, Green, Clean, and Beautiful Hanoi" reflects Hanoi's comprehensive vision for innovation, in which technology serves as the driving force while citizens are at the center, and environmental sustainability is a core value.

At the launch, a series of modern environmental sanitation vehicles and machinery were put into operation, including electric sweepers, high-pressure cleaning vehicles, specialized smart garbage sorting and collection trucks, monitoring systems, and waste-sorting stations. These will be operated by the Hanoi Urban Environment Company (Urenco) and the Thien Y Hanoi Environmental Energy JSC.

Speaking at the event, Hanoi People’s Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh said that as the nation's political and administrative hub and a leading center for the economy, culture, education, science, technology, and international integration, Hanoi is firmly committed to sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its residents.

These efforts align with Decision No. 876 issued on July 22, 2022 by the prime minister as well as with various municipal plans on air quality management and the transition to green, energy-powered transportation. These strategies aim to help Vietnam fulfill its net-zero emissions pledge made for 2050.

According to Thanh, Hanoi has already commissioned two major waste-to-energy plants, Soc Son and Seraphin, with a combined capacity of over 6,200 tons of waste per day and a total generation output of 120MW, capable of handling most of the city’s daily household waste.

Currently, six wastewater treatment plants are in operation, treating approximately 30.9% of domestic wastewater. Once the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant is completed in 2025, the treatment rate is expected to increase to 50%.

Hanoi's air is somewhat threatened as it's home to ten industrial zones, 318 craft villages, and around 1.2 million cars and 7 million motorbikes with more than 70% of these vehicles having over ten years old, in addition to construction activities and the burning of agricultural waste.

To address this issue, the city has responded with coordinated measures, including tree planting, enhanced air monitoring, modern pollution control, low-emission zones, green vehicle promotion, and bans on charcoal stoves and open agricultural waste burning.

"Applying modern environmental sanitation technologies is Hanoi's top priority. Today, the launch of 100 advanced vehicles and devices meeting Euro 6 emission standards and those powered by electricity will improve work efficiency and help reduce environmental pollution,” stated Thanh.

The launch of these modern tools is a concrete action toward fulfilling the city’s commitment to building a brighter, greener, cleaner, and more livable Hanoi, he added.