WB recommends roadmap for phasing out single-use plastics in Vietnam

Illustration. (Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – To address plastic pollution, Vietnamneeds a progressive phase-out, accompanied by the promotion of viablealternatives and an improved solid waste management system, Moderndiplomacy.eu has said, citing a newly-released study by World Bank (WB).

The majority of plastics polluting Vietnam’s waterways aresingle-use, low-value items such as plastic bags, food containers, and straws, showsthe WB’s “Vietnam: Plastic Pollution Diagnostics”.

Plastic waste is by far the most abundant type of wastecollected in river and coastal sites, accounting for 94% of the number of itemsand 71% by weight.

“Rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and changinglifestyles in Vietnam have led to a country-wide plastic pollution crisis,”said Carolyn Turk, WB Country Director for Vietnam. “This study shows thatsingle-use plastic items make up a large portion of plastic pollution inVietnam, and addressing their use will make a big difference.”

An estimated 3.1 million tonnes of plastic waste isdischarged on land in Vietnam, and at least 10% of this goes into the oceanevery year. The Vietnam National Plastics Action Partnership said the amount ofplastic in waterways can more than double by 2030 if the country’s currentwaste collection, recycling, and treatment processes are not improved.

A related WB report “Toward a National Single-use PlasticsRoadmap in Vietnam” proposes a gradual effort to combat this pollution througha mix of policy instruments and fiscal mechanisms, progressing fromrestrictions and fees to bans.

International experience shows that the benefits of phasingout single-use plastics outweigh the costs. However, effective transitionrequires a phased approach that offsets the losses of producers while preparingand creating incentives for consumers and industries to change their behaviour.

Beginning with the recommendation of restrictions on single-use plastics insidefood establishments and in hotel toiletry products, the report also suggestsimposing fees on non-biodegradable plastic bags and coffee-to-go cups. Theroadmap gradually targets a market ban on plastic straws, non-biodegradableplastic bags and food containers.

The policy roadmap will help implement a recent governmentdecree, designed to enforce plastic waste management issues under theEnvironmental Protection Law./.

VNA