Household waste is one of the major environmental issues that many countries, including Vietnam, are facing. To address this issue, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has issued Circular 35 with detailed regulations on the collection, transportation, and disposal of solid household waste. These new guidelines not only help protect the environment but also raise community awareness.
Collection and Transportation Processes for Solid Household Waste
Circular 35 outlines specific technical procedures to ensure efficient and safe waste collection and transportation. Specifically:
1. Manual Collection
For households and individuals, manual collection is encouraged through fixed collection points. Residents should adhere to the following requirements:
- Place waste in designated areas on collection vehicles.
- Sort waste according to local regulations.
2. Mechanical Collection
The use of mechanical equipment for waste collection from households to receiving facilities is clearly regulated. It is important to ensure that the load or capacity of the vehicle does not exceed its maximum limit before transporting the waste to the collection point.
Waste collection process
Illustration of the waste collection process (Photo: Quan Do).
Waste Sorting Requirements
A notable aspect of Circular 35 is the requirement for waste sorting at the source. If waste is not sorted correctly or if it is not contained in the required packaging or containers, authorities have the right to refuse acceptance. This ensures that waste processing is more effective.
According to the Environmental Protection Law 2020, provincial People’s Committees will decide specifically on household waste sorting, with the latest implementation deadline being December 31 each year.
Waste Disposal Methods
Circular 35 also provides detailed guidance on common waste disposal methods, including:
1. Composting
Facilities processing food waste into compost must operate at their designed capacity and ensure complete processing of the received waste.
2. Landfilling
Landfill sites must be adequately sized for vehicles to stop and unload, while minimizing pollution and odor emissions.
3. Waste-to-Energy Incineration
Incineration for electricity generation is encouraged, but strict environmental standards must be followed.
Penalties for Violations
Decree 45/2022 by the Government clearly stipulates administrative penalties for environmental violations. Households or individuals who do not sort their waste as required may face fines ranging from $22 to $44 USD.
Conclusion
Circular 35 from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is a significant step forward in managing household waste in Vietnam. Adhering to these regulations not only helps protect the environment but also raises community awareness about our responsibility towards nature. Let’s work together to implement these regulations and build a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable living environment.
Source: Dan Tri
