Development Of An Integrated And Inclusive Approach To Effective Waste Management In Da Nang Through Business And Community Engagement
Vietnam is currently one of the world’s top five ocean plastic polluters, driven by a “linear economy” model and inefficient waste management where up to 60% of rural waste remains uncollected. This environmental crisis severely threatens marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on fisheries and tourism. In response, the Vietnamese government has transitioned toward a “circular economy” through the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection, introducing policies like “pay-as-you-throw” and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
To capitalize on this momentum, this project identifies Da Nang—a major tourism hub aiming to become an “Environmental City” by 2030—as a pilot site. By implementing an integrated and inclusive solid waste management model focused on business engagement and plastic alternatives in the tourism sector, the project seeks to create a scalable solution that aligns with Vietnam’s national sustainability goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Objectives of the project
To develop understanding of the solid waste management challenges in Da Nang, through stakeholder mapping and an assessment of needs for collaboration, to adequately address solid waste management
Support local innovative initiatives to address solid waste and plastic waste management
Raising awareness about waste management and sustainable alternatives to plastic
Achievements
plastic waste collection models piloted at five schools
of plastic waste was collected
teachers from five schools
business initiatives on solid waste management and circular economy
of materials were recycled
of organic waste was composted
Outcome 1. Development of an integrated and inclusive approach to effective waste management at provincial level through policy and community engagement, ensuring pollution reduction and human health benefits
This initiative aims to address solid waste management challenges in Da Nang by fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration and delivering data-driven solutions. By mapping key actors and assessing local needs, the project establishes a scalable foundation for long-term environmental sustainability in Vietnam.
In partnership with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), we engage a diverse range of stakeholders—including government agencies, private waste and tourism firms, NGOs, academia, and informal waste workers—to ensure inclusive and effective decision-making.
Key Outputs & Timeline
Output 1.1. Identification of waste burning hotspots and pollution impacts in Da Nang
We identify and analyze open-burning locations in urban and rural areas using ground monitoring and satellite data. The study assesses pollution impacts across different socioeconomic groups to provide actionable recommendations for local authorities.
- Deliverable: Report of the assessment showing location of waste burning hotspots, pollution impacts on sectors of society in Da Nang, and recommendations for decision-makers. Download here.
- Timeline: June 2025 – August 2025
Output 1.2. Assessment of the current waste management strategies, gaps and needs in solid waste management in Da Nang
This phase evaluates current waste management practices in the urban and agricultural sectors, with a specific focus on plastic waste. A core component is the analysis of vulnerable groups—including women, youth, and ethnic minorities—to ensure their integration into circular economy models.
- Deliverable: Report on current waste management strategies, gaps, and needs in solid waste management in Da Nang. Download here.
- Timeline: June 2025 – September 2025
Output 1.3. Strategies to enhance collaboration among stakeholders to improve solid waste management and contribute to the local government goal in solid waste management and environment protection
Building on our research, the project facilitates multi-stakeholder workshops to refine waste management strategies. We work directly with the government to advocate for policy amendments that reflect the interests of all society groups.
- Deliverable: Report detailing strategies to enhance collaboration among stakeholders to improve solid waste management. Download here.
- Timeline: September 2025 – October 2025
Outcome 2. Increased knowledge of sustainable waste management amongst businesses, particularly plastic waste and sustainable plastic alternatives, ensuring pollution reduction and human health benefits
We empower local businesses—particularly in Da Nang’s vital tourism and hospitality sectors—to transition from linear to circular waste models. By focusing on plastic reduction and sustainable alternatives, this phase protects Da Nang’s ecosystems while bolstering the local economy and public health.
In collaboration with VCCI, we work with a diverse range of enterprises, including women-led businesses, to implement formal waste reduction commitments. Through professional waste audits and monitoring tools, we help businesses identify practical ways to reduce waste at the source and integrate informal waste workers into the formal value chain.
Key Outputs & Timeline
Output 2.1. Study of plastic waste and sustainable plastic alternatives in selected businesses
We conduct specialized research into plastic consumption patterns within the hospitality and retail sectors. By analyzing local data and international best practices, we provide businesses with a roadmap for adopting viable, sustainable plastic alternatives.
- Deliverable: Report on recommendations for sustainable plastic alternatives in Da Nang. Download here.
- Timeline: June 2025 – October 2025
Output 2.2. Agreements signed with businesses on plastic and other solid waste management
We facilitate formal agreements with at least five key local businesses to improve their waste management practices. These partnerships include customized monitoring tools to ensure transparency and measurable progress.
- Deliverable: Agreements with at least 5 local businesses. Download here.
- Timeline: June 2025 – October 2025
Output 2.3. Waste audit systems developed and tested
The project team develops and tests rigorous waste audit procedures for our partner businesses. We establish baseline data, set reduction targets, and create specific action plans to optimize how waste is sorted and disposed of.
- Deliverable: Waste audit report detailing impact of the action plan intervention. Download here.
- Timeline: August 2025 – March 2026
Output 2.4. Pilot circular models developed and tested
We guide businesses in transitioning to circular models through strategies like resource recovery and circular supply chains. By tracking metrics such as cost savings and resource efficiency, we demonstrate the economic and environmental value of the circular economy.
- Deliverable: Pilot circular models report which details the pilot models development and testing and provides recommendations for stakeholders. The report will include the performance of the models against the defined indicators (for example resource efficiency, waste reduction, costs saving and revenues from recycled materials) and livelihood benefits. Download here.
- Timeline: Ongoing through March 2026
Outcome 3. Increased awareness of business, government and young people of waste management and sustainable alternatives to plastic
Sustainability is a lifelong commitment. Outcome 3 focuses on shifting mindsets across Da Nang by engaging youth leaders, schools, and businesses. Through creative advocacy and educational programs, we aim to make sustainable waste management a core community value.
We are committed to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). A primary focus is supporting informal waste pickers—90% of whom are middle-aged women with low income levels. By integrating them into the formal circular economy, we aim to improve their livelihoods and well-being. We also ensure that youth, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.
Key Outputs & Timeline
Output 3.1. Increased awareness of businesses, government, and students about waste management and sustainable alternatives to plastic
We are recruiting and training at least 25 youth leaders (ages 18-25) in leadership and circular economy principles. These ambassadors will spearhead 3-4 major initiatives, from campus waste collection models to social media campaigns, driving peer-to-peer change.
- Deliverable: Awareness activities report detailing the number of youth leaders recruited, training provided, details and impact of the initiatives developed and any lessons learnt from the activities. Download here.
- Timeline: June 2025 – March 2026
Output 3.2. Recommendations for the public education program
In partnership with the Da Nang Department of Education and Training (DOET), we are launching education campaigns in at least 5 local schools.
- Action: Developing a 4-hour curriculum for students aged 7-14 on waste separation and reducing single-use plastics.
- Innovation: Testing plastic waste collection models in schools to measure real-world impact over a 6-month period.
- Deliverable: Report containing recommendations to Da Nang Department of Education and Training (DOET) as well as Department of Environment and natural Resources (DONRE) on the public education program on reducing single use plastics and separating waste at source. The report will include the results of awareness level surveys of students before and after the program. The success of the program will be measured and reported by the number of people that participated and the volumes of low value plastic wastes collected, transported, and recycled. Download here.
- Timeline: June 2025 – March 2026
The design and implementation of these technical support activities have been accomplished through a collaborative effort with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), the Center for Education and Development (CED), and funded by UK International Development from the UK government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). For further information about GAHP, please visit: www.gahp.org
