Improving of Solid Waste Management Systems in Developing Countries; A Case Study in Vietnam

This study evaluated Vietnam’s waste management system compared to Korea. Vietnam is the largest recipient country of Korea’s ODA (Official Development Assistant). First, we found that relevant regulations have been implemented for end-of-pipe pollution control, but systems for pollution prevention are inadequate. Moreover, waste management responsibilities dispersed among different government agencies limit effective management, calling for institutional as well as organizational improvements. Second, waste generation continues to rise with the highest contribution from food waste. Therefore, it is imperative to minimize waste generation while promoting waste recycling. Third, the current waste sorting and collecting system require improvement, as it insufficiently considers the different attributes and harmfulness by waste type. Fourth, supplementary measures are needed to improve landfill facilities, where installation criteria are established under weak management. In particular, measures are required to improve incineration facilities, where air pollutant emissions limits are set in the absence of installation and management criteria. We conclude that the waste management system in Vietnam requires an overhaul based on waste management priorities.