Waste classification at source is one of the most basic and simple actions to initially solve the problem of environmental protection in the context of more waste being generated.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, our country’s environment continues to be under great pressure from domestic solid waste. It is estimated that over 60,000 tons are discharged every day. Environmental “hot spots” have emerged in some localities, especially large urban areas with many socio-economic development activities. At this time, classification and recycling have become essential issues to solve this “huge” source of waste.
Many provinces and cities across the country have implemented a model of waste classification at source according to the Law on Environmental Protection 2020. However, according to records, localities are still quite confused, including some localities that have issued a Plan for waste classification at source.
Households and waste source owners still do not clearly understand how to classify waste, how to pay for the amount of waste; where and how to dump sorted waste; and service providers still do not have many instructions on equipment, frequency and locations for collecting sorted waste.
According to Decree No. 45/2022/ND-CP, from January 1, 2025, the act of not classifying waste at source will be punished. The regulation clearly states: A fine of 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND will be imposed on households and individuals who do not classify domestic solid waste according to regulations; do not use packaging to contain domestic solid waste according to regulations.
Thus, there is very little time left for localities to prepare conditions and plans for implementation.
In this spirit, on December 7, 2024, Lao Dong Newspaper chaired the discussion "Waste classification at source: Solving problems for localities" with the hope of receiving many constructive opinions and views from experts and readers on issues surrounding waste classification at source, moving towards effective implementation of Decree 45/2022/ND-CP.
At the seminar, experts in the environmental field will share their opinions, views, and perspectives on the issue of waste classification at source in Vietnam in the current context.
We respectfully invite readers to follow.
