Garbage and Recycling

If you are from a country with a developed waste management system, such as Sweden or Canada, the waste and recycling practices in Vietnam may seem unusual to you. The differentiation between organic and non-organic waste, or between paper, cans, bottles, and glass, is not widely practiced. Many families tend to place all their waste into one or several plastic bags. At the end of each day, when garbage collection trucks pass through neighborhoods, these bags are collected and transported to waste processing facilities.

Despite the lack of widespread awareness about the benefits of sorting waste and recycling items in Vietnam, particularly in major cities, there exists a unique system that offers some positive aspects.

Notably, dumpster diving has become a form of employment in Vietnam, with many individuals sifting through discarded materials to find reusable and recyclable items, such as glass bottles, paper, and cardboard, which they can sell for some extra cash. Additionally, street vendors known as 'dong nat' or 've chai' actively visit neighborhoods to purchase recyclable and reusable goods from residents, which they then resell to dealers for profit.

Photo: vietnamnet.vn

If you are planning to reside in Vietnam for an extended period, be prepared to adapt to this unique approach to waste management. You can sort your waste as you are accustomed to and donate recyclables to the 'dong nat' or 've chai' for a small fee or even for free. For refuse that you need to discard, simply place them in a garbage bag and wait for the collection truck to arrive. Most waste collectors typically begin their rounds after 5:30 PM and may work until as late as 9 PM. Observing your neighbors can help you determine the best time to put your waste out, as some collectors will directly take items from in front of homes while others might prefer you to hand them over personally.

It is worth noting that in Vietnam, packaging products remain less developed compared to many Western nations, which means you will encounter fewer cans and tins. However, the use of plastic is significantly more prevalent. To minimize plastic waste, consider carrying a reusable basket when visiting markets, allowing you to collect fruits and vegetables without needing plastic bags. Additionally, try to repurpose plastic bags when possible and return them to vendors, contributing to cost savings for them while also supporting environmental efforts.