Shared at the seminar "circulatory economy: a new approach improve competitiveness, reduce environmental waste" was held recently, Dr. Huynh Trung Hai - Chief of Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Technology confirmed that nearly all of the waste from human activity and industrial production can be used in the field of recycling. Recycling activities may be regarded as the industry - business, creating a dual consequence both the environment and economy: Recovery is part of the waste stream to supplement the flow of raw materials into, reduce the excessive use of the original raw materials, leading to reduced production costs; reduce the volume of effluent and pollution levels of waste streams, protecting the environment and ecosystems. Thereby also reducing the cost of waste treatment required in environmental protection.

However, in Vietnam, only about 15-20% of all solid waste is reused or recycled, mainly focus on plastic, paper, iron, steel and some base metals such as copper, aluminum, lead.

According to the Pulp and Paper Association Vietnam, nearly 70% of the current paper is made from recycled materials. Domestic paper demand reached nearly 3 million tons / year, of which only about 60% is produced domestically.

Or in the plastics industry, a capacity estimated at 3.8 million tons, but the current domestic supply of raw materials is only about 30%. Every year from 2-2.5 million tons still need imported plastic raw materials, plastic scrap which accounts for over 80%.

According to the national strategy for integrated management of solid waste in 2025 with a vision toward 2050, 100% of the urban waste, industrial waste and medicine will be collected, of which 85% of urban waste and 90% of construction waste to be recycled.

But, so far Vietnam only 35 lines handle urban domestic waste with a total capacity of 6,500 tonnes / day, will be difficult to achieve the strategic objectives set out.

The important thing is the level of technology more recycling in our country is very low, less associated with scientific research activities and scientific achievements at home and abroad, but mostly just stop at exploiting ideas and tinkering perform. This leads to low product quality, cannot expand the market, can only be recycled a number of raw materials and certain products, reduce the competitiveness of Vietnam compared to other countries.

To overcome the limitations and weaknesses, many experts recommend: Vietnam needs to change the views and perspectives of waste and waste recycling. Waste recycling technology development priorities trend turnaround towards effective natural resources of the whole society. Need to develop legal and policy framework towards market demand, shift towards pollution prevention and resource use efficiency. Moreover, should focus on developing large recycling enterprises, gradually moving towards the regularization facilities for small and medium scale, priority links between businesses. At the same time create conditions and opportunities for social organizations to participate in monitoring recycling activities.

Translated by CPSI office