Dong Thap: Raising Awareness on At-Source Household Solid Waste Sorting

(DTO) On March 23, the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee issued Plan No. 323/KH-UBND on implementing at-source solid waste sorting for households, organizations, and individuals through 2030.
 

Under the plan, at-source solid waste classification is identified as a key task to be carried out uniformly across the province, with the participation of the entire political system and the public. The goal is to raise community awareness, build the habit of sorting waste at source, and increase recycling and reuse while reducing the volume of waste requiring treatment, thereby contributing to environmental protection.

The province targets a household solid waste sorting rate of over 80% by 2030. All communes and wards are to organize waste sorting for households and individuals, while maintaining weekend community clean-up activities in residential areas.

All agencies, units, schools, and medical facilities across the province must also implement waste sorting. Markets, tourist sites, and accommodation establishments are required to limit the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastic products.

To ensure effective implementation, the plan provides detailed guidance on sorting household solid waste into three groups: recyclable and reusable waste, food waste, and remaining waste, including hazardous and bulky waste. Sorted waste must be stored in separate containers for convenient collection, transport, and treatment.

The province also instructs localities to strengthen their waste collection and transport systems, invest in and upgrade equipment, and designate appropriate collection points and transfer stations to meet technical requirements. Depending on local conditions, each locality may choose suitable collection methods.

Communication efforts will be intensified through mass media, local broadcasting systems, schools, and socio-political organizations. The Dong Thap Newspaper and Radio, Television have been tasked with expanding coverage and showcasing effective models for wider replication.

Regular inspections and monitoring from commune to provincial level will be carried out to promptly detect and handle violations while commending organizations and individuals with good practices.

The plan also specifies that funding will come from the environmental protection budget, revenues from waste collection, transfer, and treatment services, and other lawful sources.

The rollout of at-source household solid waste sorting is expected to drive significant changes in public awareness and behavior, contributing to a cleaner, greener, more beautiful, and more sustainable Dong Thap.

By H. THONG
Translated by ANH DUC