The problem of waste, especially plastic waste, is one of the most pressing ones today. Departments, sectors and localities need to participate in a long-term campaign to synchronously deploy solutions to limit, prevent and combat plastic waste.
Recycled plastic waste is collected and sorted by people in Xuan Quang 2 commune (Dong Xuan district)
According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the amount of daily-life solid waste generated in the province is about 672 tons/day on average, of which about 485 tons/day is collected (about 72%). The arising of solid domestic waste, especially plastic waste, has adversely affected the landscape, environment and ecosystem, thereby leading to negative impacts on socio-economic development. The most dangerous of plastic items, plastic bags is difficult to decompose in natural conditions. Scientists calculate that it takes hundreds, even thousands of years, for plastic waste to decompose.
Over the past time, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and localities in the province have implemented many solutions and models of waste collection, classification and treatment, with special attention to plastic waste. Ms. Nguyen Thi Be, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Xuan Quang 2 Commune (Dong Xuan district), let known: Responding to the movement against plastic waste, the Communal Women's Union has established the model “Loving pieces of bottle”, operating since 2021. Recycling bins are located in each family, and people are instructed to sort recyclables. At the same time, when going to transport garbage, the staff bring bags to classify recyclable waste such as plastic bottles, cans, carton boxes, etc. to gather in one place. Every month, the staff collect recyclables from households to continue sorting and selling to raise funds to help poor children in the locality. The model has contributed to raising people's awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste, preventing and limiting the increase in pollution, environmental degradation and incidents caused by disposable plastic products that are difficult to decompose.
According to Mr Huynh Huy Viet, Deputy Head of Administration - General Division, the Environmental Protection Sub-Department (Department of Natural Resources and Environment), it is undeniable that plastic items have many uses in human life. However, the fact that people are too dependent on disposable plastic items has caused serious consequences for the environment. “The province has implemented many solutions, departments, sectors and localities need to join forces to limit, prevent and fight plastic waste. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment continues to guide and urge the implementation of the province's tasks and solutions, especially the action program of the Provincial Party Committee on strengthening environmental protection, striving to build Phu Yen province to become a green, clean, beautiful and environmentally friendly destination,” said Mr Viet.
Ms Pham Thi Gam, Department of Policy and Legal, General Department of Seas and Islands (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), said: In Vietnam, solid waste generated nationwide is about 64,660 tons/day; in particular, the rate of plastic waste accounts for about 14%. Currently, the national average rate of solid waste collection is about 92% in urban areas and about 66% in rural areas; among them are 28 coastal provinces having the average collection rate of domestic solid waste at 74%. Particularly in aquaculture, plastic waste is generated each year about 2,875 tons, of which about 138 tons is into the sea, which is a big threat to the marine environment and marine ecosystem.
In order to practically manage plastic waste effectively, according to Ms Tran Thi Hoa, Director of the Green Development Support Center (GreenHub), it is necessary to make efforts to prevent the arising of plastic waste, to reduce the use of plastic when it is not necessary, as well as restricting and prohibiting illegal littering, as this is the main source of plastic leakage into the environment. “Phu Yen province needs to synchronously deploy solutions, from management agencies to businesses, response from people and mobilize the support of domestic and international environmental organizations. GreenHub continues to accompany Phu Yen to implement the goals in the action plan on plastic waste management till 2030 such as propaganda, raising awareness, and changing behavior about plastic products, especially disposable plastic; developing models of collection, classification, transportation, treatment and recycling of plastic waste, etc.”, said Ms Hoa.
Translated by Trinh Thuy