Workers collect garbage in the quarantine area. Photo: CTC Worried waste collection workers Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic, garbage collectors are very concerned because the waste source has the potential to contain pathogens, especially in isolation and blockade areas. However, due to the nature of their work, environmental sanitation workers still have to perform this task. According to Mr. Tran Van Toan (environmental sanitation worker of Ho Chi Minh City Urban Environment Company Limited): “The COVID-19 epidemic broke out, we felt very worried, the nature of our work had to continue. come in contact with a lot of waste and can’t tell which ones contain pathogens. However, we are fully equipped with protective equipment and strictly adhere to epidemic prevention and control, so we are somewhat reassured.” Agreeing, Ms. PTT (a garbage collector in Tan Phu district) shared: “With the current epidemic situation, many people don’t even dare to go out, let alone access the isolation and collection areas. garbage, because it’s really hard to know where there are infected people. However, sanitation workers like us, if they don’t do it, they won’t have a source of income to take care of their families. We hope that we will be given priority to vaccinate against COVID-19 to help alleviate some worries.” There is a risk of disease transmission from medical waste Ho Chi Minh City Urban Environment Company Limited (CITENCO) is the unit that collects and transports medical waste and waste at hospitals, isolation areas for treatment of COVID-19 patients in Ho Chi Minh City. and isolation areas, blockade areas established under the decision of the People’s Committees of districts in the city. According to experts, in isolated and isolated areas, the waste that is often at risk of infection is hazardous medical waste. For workers who collect, transport and process this type of waste, there is also a high risk of infection. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Dung, Chairman of the Vietnam Built Environment Association, commented: The collection, transportation and treatment of waste in isolation areas, field hospitals and COVID-19 patients’ blockade It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions and regulations on environmental safety and hygiene. Sanitation workers who collect and transport this type of waste, if not properly protected, are likely to be infected with disease. “The waste in the isolation area, this field hospital is mixed with household waste and medical waste, including hazardous waste such as bandages, medicine, patient waste… Especially, viruses. can be transmitted in the air and remain on the surface of the object for a certain time,” Dung said. Also according to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Dung, environmental sanitation workers who collect, transport and process various types of waste are very susceptible to exposure. Therefore, they need to be equipped with safe and appropriate working tools, and should enjoy appropriate protection and remuneration. “In my opinion, first of all, they should be given priority to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent disease,” said Dr. Proposal to prioritize vaccination for garbage collectors According to a representative of CITENCO, currently all medical waste in hospitals, centers and polyclinics is collected and treated by the company according to the strict process of hazardous waste. During the outbreak of COVID-19, the company was directed by the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City to be in charge of collecting domestic waste in the isolation area for patients infected with COVID-19. To ensure the safety of workers during the process of collecting, transporting and treating wastes that may contain COVID-19, CITENCO proposes to the City People’s Committee and the Department of Health to give priority to public officials and employees. The company is participating in the collection and transportation of waste vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. “The recommended vaccination cases include the staff directly managing and directing the company’s epidemic prevention and control; workers and drivers who directly collect, transport and treat wastes that may contain COVID-19, medical waste, domestic waste, and cremation; workers often come into contact with people,” said the representative. In Hanoi, Mr. Nguyen Huu Tien, General Director of Hanoi Urban Environment One Member Limited Liability Company (URENCO), also said: The company has sent a written request to the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Steering Committee for COVID-19 prevention and control. The Hanoi Department of Health considers and creates favorable conditions for the company’s officers and employees to be given priority to vaccinate against COVID-19. Hazardous waste is strictly handled According to CITENCO, the collection, transportation and treatment of medical waste are carried out by the company according to a very strict process, ensuring the safety of workers and preventing the spread of disease to the outside. The workers are equipped with protective gear that meets the standards of the medical industry. Accordingly, the waste is sealed in a special yellow container or bag, labeled with a warning of the risk of infection. Garbage before being collected to put on specialized transport vehicles (closed containers) is sprayed with disinfectant. Waste when transported to Dong Thanh waste treatment site (Hoc Mon district) continues to spray disinfectant again before being processed by high-temperature combustion technology. After burning, waste must be solidified and buried in a safe landfill dedicated to hazardous waste.

The cooperation between Coca-Cola and The Ocean Cleanup will accelerate the implementation of the Interceptor system to clean 15 rivers globally. Accordingly, the two sides will coordinate to deploy a system to collect plastic waste and clean up 15 rivers around the world within the next 18 months, including the introduction and application of a semi-automatic river sanitation solution using The Ocean Cleanup’s Solar Interceptor. The two sides also called for the attention and action of industries and individuals around the world to solve the problem of plastic waste, prevent plastic waste from entering the ocean, thereby protecting the ecosystem. species and water resources. Boyan Slat, founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, said: “The Ocean Cleanup’s mission is to remove plastic waste from the oceans. With 1,000 rivers carrying nearly 80% of plastic waste directly into the sea, this problem is becoming more and more serious. This is also the reason why we are always looking for solutions to speed up the implementation of the program. Among the waste we collect are many plastic bottles, including Coca-Cola products, so we appreciate that Coca-Cola is the first company to accompany The Ocean Cleanup. This is also an action program in Coca-Cola’s grand strategy to create a positive impact, contributing to solving the global plastic pollution problem.” James Quincey, President and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company said: “As a global company, we work hard to ensure that all the materials we use for packaging are collected and recycled, and will not become waste. We support The Ocean Cleanup and its technological solutions to protect the ocean ecosystem and also contribute to the conservation of our water resources.”

Leveraging Coca-Cola’s global scale and network and The Ocean Cleanup’s technology and data solutions, this partnership will accelerate the implementation of a plastic waste collection and cleaning system. 15 rivers around the world over the next 18 months, including the introduction and adoption of The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor solar-powered semi-automated river sanitation solution. The two sides also called for the attention and action of industries and individuals around the world to solve the problem of plastic waste, prevent plastic waste from entering the ocean, thereby protecting the ecosystem. species and water resources. Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup said: “The Ocean Cleanup’s mission is to remove plastic waste from the oceans. With 1,000 rivers carrying nearly 80% of plastic waste directly into the sea, this problem is becoming more and more serious. This is also the reason why we are always looking for solutions to speed up the implementation of the program. Among the waste we collect are many plastic bottles, including Coca-Cola products, so we appreciate that Coca-Cola is the first company in the industry to partner with The Ocean Cleanup. This is also an action program in Coca-Cola’s grand strategy to create a positive impact, contributing to solving global plastic pollution. Our aim is to learn from this partnership and continue to scale rapidly in the near future. I believe this cooperation is good news for our oceans.” The cooperation between Coca-Cola and The Ocean Cleanup will accelerate the implementation of the Interceptor system to clean 15 rivers globally Solution Interceptor The Interceptor system announced in 2019 is the first widely deployed solution to prevent river waste from entering the ocean. Interceptor works 100% on solar energy, automatically filters garbage and can operate in most of the most polluted rivers in the world. Through the partnership between The Ocean Cleanup and Coca-Cola, from now until the end of 2022, the two units will coordinate to deploy the Interceptor solution application program to clean 15 rivers globally. The first two Interceptor systems in the cooperation program were installed by The Ocean Cleanup in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Can Tho, Vietnam. In these rivers, The Ocean Cleanup and Coca-Cola will continue to support the development of post-collection solutions. The two units are also planning to expand the project scale on the remaining 13 rivers in the near future. The Ocean Cleanup provides effective solutions with high expertise in the field of plastic waste collection technology, applied from practical experience, scientific understanding of plastic waste pollution, and a database as well. as it handles data from programs that this organization has previously implemented. Coca-Cola will support The Ocean Cleanup through the company’s global network, which currently operates in more than 200 countries and territories. Coca-Cola will directly support the local implementation of the new Interceptor system, as well as post-collection plastic processing with specialized measures to manage plastic waste in a weekly economic model. complete. Ocean Cleanup and Coca-Cola will work together to secure new partners and call for the investments needed to scale the project, namely installing more Interceptor solutions, securing licenses, and deploying new solutions. Developed a River Monitoring System (RMS) for a more detailed analysis of pollution levels in rivers. For a world without waste Mr. James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company said: “As a global company, we work hard to ensure that all the materials we use for packaging are collected and recycled, and do not end up as waste. We support The Ocean Cleanup and its technological solutions to protect the ocean ecosystem and also contribute to the conservation of our water resources.” The Coca-Cola Company is implementing comprehensive activities to tackle plastic waste through its Strategy for a Zero Waste World. The strategy sets out three key global goals including: (1) 100% of Coca-Cola’s packaging is recyclable by 2025 – and using at least 50% recycled materials in packaging by 2030; (2) Every can and bottle that Coca-Cola sells is collected and recycled by the company by 2030; and (3) Working together for a clean, waste-free environment. Constantly improving, Coca-Cola is investing in many new technologies, packaging material solutions and packaging reduction initiatives, including ultra-light recycling technology, plant-based packaging and other innovative technologies. solution to support the classification process. Recently, Coca-Cola set a target that by 2025, depending on business growth, the company will reduce the use of virgin plastic from fossil fuels by about 20% compared to today. Getting rid of plastic waste requires effective action and thinking on the part of all parties, including civil society, industry and the public sector. Therefore, The Coca-Cola Company has always supported building and participating in global, future-oriented partnerships for a zero-waste world. The common goal is to encourage more people to recycle and reuse and more organizations to invest in a circular economy where products and materials stay the same at the end of their life cycle. their value and return to the production process, becoming part of a closed chain, so that there is little or no waste released into the environment. Brian Smith, President and COO of The Coca-Cola Company said: “The Ocean Cleanup has a clear vision and effective technology to realize the goal of eliminating plastic waste from the ocean. As for Coca-Cola, we have a local team to support the implementation of the new Interceptor system in rivers around the world, along with the treatment and recycling of waste after collection. . We believe this partnership can make a truly positive impact. It’s great that Coca-Cola employees everywhere in the world can support the project by participating in supporting the implementation of the project locally, or becoming an ambassador to spread the message of the great mission. of this project”.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the current situation of pollution of plastic and plastic waste in our country is very serious, the amount of plastic waste and plastic bags in Vietnam accounts for about 8-12% of the waste. domestic snake. The amount of plastic waste, plastic bags discharged increases year by year, causing serious harm to the ecological environment. Plastic is a compound made to last forever, yet up to 33% of all plastic items, such as water bottles, plastic bags and straws … are used only once and then discarded. According to experts’ calculations, plastic bottles of water have decomposition time after 450-1,000 years; straws (decomposes after 100-500 years), plastic cups (decomposes after 50-200 years), plastic bags / plastic bags (decomposes after 500-1,000 years), diapers / diapers (decomposes after 250 years) -500 years) … An Phu youth join hands to protect the environment Responding to the “Anti plastic waste” movement, all levels and branches in the province have implemented many practical activities. For the education and training sector, up to now, many units have built propaganda and coordination plans to disseminate at the unit, through regular meetings of unions; branch meetings, school council meetings, activities under the flag, extra-curricular activities, extracurricular activities … thereby raising awareness of staff, teachers, staff and students. Limiting the use of plastic waste to protect the environment. Many schools have combined to implement the movement “Small Plan” to collect plastic waste to sell scrap to help students in difficult circumstances. Through that, to educate students about environmental protection awareness and compassion. Many units, schools also collect plastic waste to recycle as school supplies and household activities. Many schools have organized movement activities: contests, skits … with the content “Anti plastic waste”, the risk of pollution of plastic and plastic bags in order to change behavior, proceed to eradicate the habit. Use hard-to-biodegradable plastic bags, single-use disposable plastic products. In order to contribute to sustainable environmental protection, the Department of Education and Training orientates schools to continue implementing education integrating environmental protection into the following subjects: ethics, nature – society, civic education, student study, geography … at appropriate extracurricular activities. Schools proceeded to arrange a separate plastic waste container with other types of waste in the unit for easy collection. On the other hand, educate the habit of restricting the use of plastic waste for members of the unit and students. Continuing to organize propaganda and mobilization of staff, teachers, staff and students to change their behaviors, habits of using disposable plastic products, hard-to-decompose plastic bags, contributing to minimizing pollution. environment, protecting human health and ecosystems. Extensive propaganda about the “Anti-plastic waste” movement for all staff, teachers, staff and students, and at the same time mobilizing relatives to “say no to plastic bags and used plastic products 1” times ”. Organize movements: contests, skits … to change, eventually give up the habit of using hard-to-biodegradable plastic bags, single-use hard-to-biodegradable plastic products. Implement education to integrate environmental protection contents into subjects: ethics, nature – society, civic education, biology, geography … into extracurricular activities suitable to each grade level. , each student object. Limiting the use of disposable plastic products that are difficult to decompose and actively looking for disposable plastic product alternatives in the activities of agencies and units. Encourage each officer, teacher and employee to uphold their sense of responsibility, actively participate in and organize anti-plastic waste activities with specific and practical initiatives and actions. Change habits, say no to disposable plastic products, plastic bags through shopping, living, working, daily labor; using environmentally friendly products instead. Actively participate in environmental protection activities in the place of residence by the smallest actions, such as: sorting, recycling, reusing waste, using raw materials, fuel …

Leaders of Hanoi Urban Environment Company Limited and Vietnam Packaging Recycling Union participated in the signing ceremony. Accordingly, the two sides will coordinate to develop specific plans to promote the sorting model at source, collection, transportation and treatment of recyclable waste in Hanoi city; Develop and implement a communication plan: Design, train, communicate to raise awareness, and guide the method of separating waste at source, thereby changing habits and behaviors for the community in the sorting and collecting recycled waste; Build network connection between collection and transport units – Recycling units in promoting a circular economy. Research and propose to policy makers and regulators to create incentives and favorable market conditions for recycled waste. Mr. Jahanzeb Khan – Vice Chairman of Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance (Pro Vietnam) said that through this cooperation, Pro Vietnam will carry out a project to raise public awareness, from there creating behavioral changes in the use and management of plastic waste. “Pro Vietnam will support Hanoi Urban Environment Company Limited to jointly carry out activities to increase the rate of collection and recycling of plastic, packaging and other recyclable waste. At the same time, identify, develop and implement initiatives on concerns and benefits in local plastic waste management, especially in recirculating economic projects ”- Mr. Jahanzeb Khan. It is known that Pro Vietnam includes members who are leading FDI and Vietnam companies in the field of consumer goods, packaging production, retail and import with the same desire to contribute to a green Vietnam, Clean, beautiful by promoting the circular economic model by making product packaging collection and recycling work in a more accessible and sustainable way.

Signing of a cooperation agreement on waste collection and recycling. Accordingly, URENCO and PRO Vietnam cooperate to develop a specific plan to promote the model of sorting at source, collecting, transporting and treating recyclable waste in Hanoi; building and implementing communication plans: Designing, training, communicating to raise awareness, guide the method of garbage classification at source; thereby changing the habits and behaviors for the community in the classification and collection of recycled waste. At the same time, the two sides build a network to connect between collection and transport units – recycling units in promoting a circular economy … PRO Vietnam currently has 18 members who are the leading brand owners and packaging manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers in the food and beverage industry. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Zahanzeb Khan, Vice President of PRO Vietnam shared: “Through this cooperation, we wish to create a connection between PRO Vietnam and members of the Urban Environment Association. Vietnam market and industrial park in implementing environmental protection activities, for a green – clean – beautiful Vietnam; at the same time, making packaging recycling more accessible and sustainable, towards the goal All packages of PRO Vietnam members put on the market are collected for recycling. According to URENCO’s statistics on the results of the implementation of waste management, classification and collection at sources deployed in 4 districts (Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung) in Hanoi, from mid-August Until now, URENCO has purchased more than 150 tons of recycled waste. Of these, plastic accounts for 35%, paper 55% and 10% are metals.

Pictures of aunts buying cicadas on the road. Photo: MINH HOANG Every year, Vietnam uses millions of tons of packaging types including plastic and paper. In which, about 40% of paper packaging and 27% of plastic packaging is collected and recycled. That means the rest is discharged into the environment, affecting marine ecosystems, polluting soil and water environments (rivers, lakes, canals, etc.) and groundwater pollution. According to the information at the scientific workshop “Promoting the role of science and technology in ocean plastic waste management”, Vietnam is considered one of the 5 countries that discharge the most plastic waste into the environment (about 1.8 million tons / year). To help limit the above situation, you learn how to properly classify and collect waste, this will help increase the recycling rate, contribute to protecting the surrounding environment. First, please install the VECA app for your phone here, compatible with Android 5.0 and above devices. Basically, this app will help you connect with the ticks collecting and buying bottles, making the purchase and sale of bottle ticks simpler through the appointment scheduling section. Create an account to use the application to sell bottles online. Photo: MINH HOANG To get started, you need to enter your phone number and full name for the contact. The main interface of VECA is relatively simple, the scrap price list is clearly publicized by each item, including newspaper, paper, carton, solid iron … The prices of scrap are made transparent. Photo: MINH HOANG If your house has many bottles, you can click on the button I sell, then set the address of home / work / factory … and choose the corresponding time (weekdays or Saturday, Sunday), at the end together click Confirm. The system will automatically send your request to the uncle collecting bottles. User can manage collection requests in History section. Also at the main interface, you can refer to good tips related to the sorting and disposal of waste. Set a collection schedule for bottle ticks. Photo: MINH HOANG Currently, VECA has just deployed the service of buying bottle at home in Phu Nhuan district, Ho Chi Minh City, and is expected to expand its operating area in the near future. Note, because the application is in the process of testing, there will definitely be an error, readers can submit suggestions for the developer to improve and fix in the next version. In general, the features that VECA offers are relatively useful, leveraging the technology platform to make ordinary purchases simpler, faster, and connecting the seller’s needs with buyers. , thereby helping to increase income for both parties and limit waste into the environment.

Recently, the Waterway Management Center in coordination with Saigon Traffic Construction Joint Stock Company has operated new technology equipment in the collection of rubbish on the Vam Thuat River, at Ben Phan Bridge (Go Vap District, City). .HCM).

As noted by PV, there are three devices in operation to pick up trash, mainly water hyacinth and floating garbage. A device like a large barge has a garbage storage compartment and a pick-up crane. On both sides of the conveyor belt are fitted with two garbage collection wings, which help to put the garbage on the deck. In addition, the small garbage pick-up machine is operated by one person, moving the garbage and bringing it to the barge.

According to PV’s observations in just a few working hours tons of water hyacinths are collected ashore.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hai, Head of Maintenance Management Division, Waterway Management Center, said that for many years, garbage collection has contributed to reducing the amount of rubbish on the above rivers, gradually improving the regional environment. However, the garbage collection is still rudimentary, using a lot of manual labor, and the efficiency and productivity are not high.

Therefore, the unit has piloted operation of new technology equipment imported from the US. With this new technology, workers do not have to salvage manually but completely control by machine, collecting every two days, the capacity to pick up about 25 to 30 tons within 8 hours.

“This device will save manpower, time and collect large volumes, thereby increasing the economic efficiency of the city. Besides, it will also create a better image on the river compared to traditional garbage collection.” – Mr. Hai said.

Regarding the current difficulties, Mr. Hai added that in addition to floating rubbish and water hyacinths, there are large-sized rubbish such as blankets, mattresses, tables and chairs, making it difficult to collect trash. In addition, the river bank is not straight and flat, so the access of the machine is also difficult.

Mr. Hai added that the garbage collection system consists of five devices, of which two are imported from the US and three are researched and manufactured by a team of Vietnamese engineers. After the pilot period, the Department of Transport will report to the City People’s Committee replicated in the area. At the same time, the unit is also building a unit price that is suitable for management in the future.

Pilot garbage collection with new technology

Previously, on October 9, 2020, the Department of Transport of Ho Chi Minh City held a pilot meeting to collect and collect rubbish on the Vam Thuat – Ben Cat river using modern equipment with new technology.

This equipment is proposed by Saigon Transport Construction Joint Stock Company to use in the spirit of the “Ho Chi Minh City people do not litter the streets and canals because the city is clean and less flooded”.

The scene of the training class.

Vice Chairman of Dong Da District People’s Committee Ha Anh Tuan said that the goal of the training course is that the domestic waste step by step is classified according to the criteria of 3R (3R = Reduce, recycle and recycle). use (Reuse)); disposing of trash on time, at the right place; continue to maintain 100% daily waste collection; proceed to no garbage on the street, promptly collect garbage generated at all times of the day.

At the same time, strengthen the county’s State management over medical and hazardous waste disposal; adheres to the provisions of Joint Circular 58/2015 / TTLT-BYT-BTNMT on medical waste management, issued by the Minister of Health – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and has performed well the tasks assigned by the City People’s Committee. approved in the project “Hazardous medical waste treatment in Hanoi to 2020, with an orientation to 2025”.

The Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Dong Da district also said that the district strives for domestic waste: Sorting over 70% of domestic waste. Reduce the average amount of waste 1.08 kg of waste / person / day to less than 1 kg of waste / person / day (down 7-8%). Guaranteed to collect 100% of daily domestic waste. 100% of people dump their trash on time and at the right place. 50% reduction in the number of manual collection trucks that collect rubbish in the alleys to replace them with motorized ones. 100% of means of transportation and garbage collection are fully inspected, maintained, maintained, and cleaned regularly, to ensure technical requirements (tight, not leak water and garbage vapor).

As for medical and hazardous wastes: 100% of medical and hazardous wastes are collected, transported and handled in accordance with the technical process and standards. 100% of medical facilities under the management of the district invested in completing the medical waste and hazardous waste classification system to ensure the standards and technical requirements as prescribed. 100% of small businesses and production establishments have measures to treat hazardous wastes such as motor oil, detergent, heavy metals, wastewater …