Mr. Nguyen Dinh Anh and Dr. Hai Hoang explained how an initial plan to reduce waste in Danang lacked citizen awareness and participation. They then reformed the plan, based on lessons learned and strategies from the Workshop.

1. The City

Street and household bins for separation of waste in Danang

Located in central Vietnam, Danang is divided into 6 urban districts and 2 suburban districts with 56 wards and communities. It covers 1,256km2, and has a population of 887,000 (2008). Danang Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Danang DONRE) is the agency responsible for managing, collecting and treating all generated solid waste in Danang city. DONRE has three main entities for the implementation of its policies: the Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural Resources and Environment Divisions in 7 districts, and the Danang Urban Environment Company (Danang URENCO). The amount of waste generated in the city continues rising rapidly, rising from 591 to 612 tons per day from 2007-08. The amount of waste collected by Danang URENCO also rose though, from 497 to 532 tons per day - an increase from 84% to 87% of the total waste generated.

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2. Action Plan Progress

At the First 2008 Workshop, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Anh formulated a plan which aimed to reduce domestic waste, and increase the collection rate to 95% by July 2010. With planning support from Danang University and national and international experts, the plan proposed to incorporate citizens, local leaders, workers, socio-political unions and universities into the process of collecting domestic waste. After surveying on waste quantity and collection measures, a trial area was selected for the training of communities on waste disposal, and the provision of labeled bins for recycling and segregation. However, the scheme was not as successful as expected for a number of reasons. 

Practically, the bins designed for the residents who lived in the pilot ward lacked clear instructions on segregation of organic and inorganic wastes. As a consequence, the bins were not correctly used, and some were lost. The budget for collection, transportation and treatment was not sufficient to implement the plan comprehensively. The choice of pilot ward for the program was not suitable because of its location, and the participation of the commercial sector was limited. However, the active participation of the local government, organizations, authorities and stakeholders was a positive point during the implementation of the program.

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3. Proposed Action Plan Revision

At the First 2009 Workshop, the Action Plan was reformulated to incorporate more investors and sponsors, comprehensive preparation of equipment, environmental education for stakeholders and citizens, legislation for waste classification, and increased composting and recycling. Moreover, the re-formulated plan is proposed to cover the whole city. 

The components of the plan will be more integrated and clearly defined to stakeholders, and increased participation by citizens will be key to its success. In the community, a learning center will be established to educate on environmental issues, and a recycling center will be built. A local workshop and education program will disseminate information on the plan to raise awareness. Then, at the ward level, waste separation will be clearly defined, for citizens to participate. If the plan is successful, an evaluation workshop will show how it can be implemented over a larger area. Sponsors will be mobilized for the building of a composting center, and regulations will be drawn up for waste classification. The many lessons learned in its initial stage of implementation should help achieve the plan’s success.

Danang Time Frame for Revised Action Plan: June 2009 - October 2010

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