Learn about the current situation of plastic waste in Vietnam and how it negatively impacts the environment.
Plastic waste is becoming one of the most serious environmental problems in Vietnam today. The increase in consumption of disposable plastic products, especially during the pandemic, has caused a sharp increase in the amount of this waste, posing a great challenge for treatment and recycling. The following article will delve into the current situation, impacts as well as comprehensive solutions to control pollution from plastic waste. Follow the article below of GREEN IN to learn more about plastic waste!
1. The current situation of plastic waste in Vietnam
According to data released by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam generates about 1,8 million tons of plastic waste each year, of which 0,28 to 0,73 million tons flow into the ocean. However, only about 27% of this amount is recycled or utilized by facilities and businesses.
Notably, the treatment of this type of waste is still inadequate. Currently, the majority – about 90% – of plastic waste is still treated by landfill or incineration, while only 10% is recycled.
The consequences of plastic waste have become increasingly evident after the Covid-19 outbreak. Plastic products easily disintegrate into small particles, penetrating into food and the living environment. Per capita plastic consumption in Vietnam has skyrocketed from 3,8 kg in 1990 to 41,3 kg in 2018 and shows no signs of stopping after the pandemic.
In major cities, the amount of plastic bags consumed ranges from 10,48 to 52,4 tons/day. During the period 2019–2022, household spending on food and beverages has contributed to the rapid increase in demand for plastic packaging.
The collection, sorting and recycling of plastic waste is still weak. Only about 11-12% of plastic waste, including plastic bags, is treated or reused. The rest is mainly burned, buried or discharged directly into the environment. In the medical sector alone, plastic waste accounts for about 5%. Every day, about 22 tons of medical plastic waste are generated, including hazardous substances such as drugs and chemicals, posing a great risk to the environment and public health.
2. Negative impacts of plastic waste
For the environment
With its almost non-biodegradable properties, plastic when buried in the ground will last for centuries, changing the natural characteristics of the soil. This makes the soil unable to retain water well, lacking oxygen and nutrients, thereby hindering plant growth and contributing to soil erosion.
In addition, if burned without proper treatment, plastic waste can emit toxic gases, creating the greenhouse effect, contributing to climate change and negatively affecting public health.
For marine ecosystems
The uncontrolled discharge of plastic into the ocean has led to a situation of “white pollution”, which is seriously harmful to marine life. It is estimated that nearly 300 aquatic species are affected by being entangled or swallowed by plastic pieces, which can cause digestive damage, respiratory obstruction and even death. An average fish contains about 2,1 microplastic pieces, which not only harms life but also disrupts biodiversity and affects the balance of the marine ecosystem.
For human health
When plastic waste breaks down in the environment, it creates micro, nano or pico-sized particles that easily enter water, air and soil. Animals consume them, and humans are then indirectly exposed through the food chain.
Meanwhile, the process of burning plastic will produce many toxic gases such as dioxin and furan - compounds known to be potential risks of causing cancer, endocrine disorders and reducing resistance.
Some plastic bags also contain sulfur and pure petroleum, which when burned will produce sulfuric acid – the main culprit causing acid rain. In addition, poor quality plastic products can produce BPA – a toxic compound, seriously affecting fertility, causing diabetes, and increasing the risk of cancer.
3. Solutions for managing and treating plastic waste
Plastic waste control needs to be implemented synchronously through institutional, technological and social awareness measures:
- Firstly, it is necessary to improve the legal system to support the development of the circular economic model. Specifically, it is necessary to clearly define the obligations of manufacturers and distributors in collecting, sorting, processing or making financial contributions according to the rate of consumed products. It is necessary to establish a product life cycle management system, develop regional environmental standards, and at the same time issue preferential policies to promote environmental industries, especially recycling industries. The connection of new reuse - recycling - production chains must also be strongly promoted.
- Second, orienting the development of a sustainable economic model, making the most of input resources and applying modern technology to waste treatment. It is necessary to issue a roadmap to eliminate disposable plastic products, replace them with environmentally friendly materials, and extend the product's usage time.
- Third, adjust the energy sector planning towards gradually reducing dependence on fossil fuels and hydropower. Investment projects need to be carefully screened based on technology, scale, location and environmental factors. The technology transition roadmap also needs to closely follow the criteria of energy saving and emission reduction.
- Fourth, businesses need to change their production mindset, from focusing on speed and cost to ensuring product durability and recyclability. Changing consumer habits, from using plastic to choosing eco-friendly products, also needs to be widely encouraged.
- Fifth, deploy an effective circular economy communication strategy to raise public and business awareness. People need to be educated about the benefits of waste separation at source, thereby facilitating the collection, recycling and effective treatment of plastic waste.