Policy brief: Current situation and solutions to promote plastic waste recycling in Viet Nam
Posted on 12 April 2023
Continuing support for the effective management of plastic waste and enforce the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, the project "Mitigating marine plastic debris in Vietnam" has cooperated with the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment to conduct research on the current situation of recycling and propose solutions to promote plastic waste recycling in Viet Nam
EPR scheme, which has been institutionalized in the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, Decree No. 08/2022/ ND-CP and Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT, is expected to be an effective tool in Vietnam in promoting waste recycling and plastic waste in particular. The study “Research and investigation on recycling situation and recommendation on measures to accelerate plastic waste recycling in Viet Nam“ was implemented in 2022 with the aim of supporting and promoting policy enforcement, knowledge sharing, and exchange of experiences on EPR. By systematized the current policies relating to the promotion of plastic waste recycling; provided an overview assessment of plastic waste recycling technologies in Viet Nam and a number of plastic waste recycling technologies in the world; a random survey of 15 representative enterprises in the country, the research has indicated opportunities on current policy, domestic potential in consumption and recycling capacity, technology as well as corresponding challenges for plastic recycling in Viet Nam.As a result, a number of solutions to promote plastic waste recycling have been recommended, including: (i) continuing to improve the policy and legal framework; (ii) reducing administrative procedures, ensuring businesses can approach incentives and support; (iii) successfully implementing solid waste segregation at source; (iv) improving waste management and technology, promoting the formalization of recycling activities in craft villages; (v) developing a database, enhancing information on circular economy and plastic recycling market.