MWRP Vietnam: Piloting a Zero Waste Model to Help Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution

In Vietnam, the city of Hoi An and the nearby Cham Islands are facing mounting solid waste management (SWM) challenges due to the rapidly growing number of tourists. To support a regional initiative managed out of the Philippines, USAID’s Municipal Waste Recycling Program provided a grant to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives Philippines Inc. (GAIA) to improve SWM and recycling practices in the Cam Thanh commune (a ward of Hoi An) and in the Cham Islands. In partnership with GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre (GreenViet) and the Cham Islands Marine Protected Areas office, GAIA is helping to pilot a “Zero Waste” model in these areas.

The “Zero Waste” Model

“Zero Waste” is a waste management approach that emphasizes the responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of all materials to reduce the amount of waste that is incinerated, sent to landfills, or discharged into the water or air. With GAIA technical assistance and training by the GAIA Zero Waste Academy, GreenViet is helping the city government develop ten-year SWM and recycling plans in line with the “Zero Waste” model and is strengthening local organizations’ capacity to implement localized “Zero Waste” programs. In addition, GreenViet is cooperating with local government environment officials, including the Cham Islands Marine Protected Area office, to deliver door-to-door training to households, businesses, and other community stakeholders on waste separation to improve the recycling value chain. GreenViet, thus far, has conducted waste management training courses for over 50 households.

Sustainability is the Number One Priority

GAIA and GreenViet will replicate the Philippines “Zero Waste” model, a cost-effective way for municipalities and the private sector to manage household solid waste and reduce plastic waste leakage. By the end of the project, the Cam Thanh commune and the Cham Islands are expected to have functional, scalable, and sustainable SWM and recycling programs with ten-year SWM plans in place. These ten-year plans will include efficient collection schemes, materials recovery facilities for the temporary storage of materials before their sale to recycling firms, and composting procedures for organic waste.