Wednesday, 10/05/2017 16:54 (GMT+7)
Sorting waste at the source and renewing the waste collection process were among solutions put forth during a workshop on reducing environmental pollution in Ho Chi Minh city, held on May 9th by Sai Gon Giai Phong (Saigon Liberation) newspaper and the city Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Sorting waste at the source in Ho Chi Minh city from May 11th (Photo: VNA)
According to the city Department of Natural Resources and Environment, on average, each day, the city releases some 7,000-8,000 tons of waste, an increase of 15% compared to 2016. However, a majority of waste is treated by burying, which leaves a burden to the city in searching for land for waste burying. In addition, burying waste also causes pollution as it releases waste water and bad odour, badly affecting communities’ lives.
Furthermore, solid waste collected which is not sorted at the source causes difficulties for waste treatment companies.
To reduce pollution from waste burying, Nguyen Toan Thang, Director of the city Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said that it was necessary to renew waste treatment technologies. At first, from May 11th, waste will be sorted at the source across 24 districts in the city. “The sorting will be carried out regularly,” said Mr. Thang.
He added that training would be provided for waste collectors and waste collection materials would also be renewed to increase the efficiency of the program.
The city will make favourable conditions for waste treatment businesses to change ways of treating waste by burning, reducing burying and increasing recycling.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Phuoc, Head of the city Institute of Environment and Resources, said waste collection companies should renew collection processes to prevent waste water from being released into the environment./.
Compiled by BTA