‘Waste collectors are no longer looked down upon’

On the afternoon of November 14, WWF-Vietnam hosted a meeting in Hue City (Thua Thien-Hue Province) between the Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam and local stakeholders to review the progress and achievements of the “Hue – Plastic Smart City in Central Vietnam” (TVA project).

Amid the global challenge of plastic waste pollution and its severe environmental and societal impacts, the TVA project, funded by WWF-Norway through WWF-Vietnam and overseen by the People’s Committee of Hue City, has been implemented from 2021 to 2024.

A standout initiative under the project is the establishment of waste-collecting groups led by women in An Dong ward (responsible for areas south of the Huong River) and Huong So ward (covering areas north of the river). These groups were created with support from the Vietnam Women’s Union and assistance from the TVA project. To date, the An Dong Ward women’s group has collected over 50 tons of recyclable waste, including 10.2 tons of recyclable plastic.

During the meeting, members of the waste collecting group in the An Dong ward expressed their gratitude to H.E. Hilde Solbakken, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, for the support they have received.

“In the past, our work was neither respected nor valued,” one member shared. “But thanks to the support and encouragement from various organizations, including the Norwegian Embassy, WWF-Vietnam, and local authorities, our livelihood has improved. Waste collecting has grown, and we now feel more confident and happier. We are no longer looked down upon when we step out into the community.”

Women waste collectors also noted that through systematic collection and recycling processes, organized activities, and collaboration with local authorities, public awareness in Hue has significantly improved regarding waste classification.

Their efforts have helped residents distinguish between recyclable and non-recyclable waste, contributing to a cleaner, more beautiful Hue. The An Dong ward members have become community advocates, regularly instructing locals on proper waste segregation methods to protect the environment.

Ms. Dang Thi Ngoc Lan, Chairwoman of the Hue City Women’s Union, expressed appreciation for the TVA project’s close support in pursuing waste collection, contributing to a clean and green Hue. She highlighted the significant impact on the livelihoods and social standing of women involved in the scrap collection industry.

Having operated for two years, the An Dong waste collection group primarily comprises freelancers who previously lacked the capital to achieve economic independence. Through waste collection, these women now have stable incomes, while also fostering camaraderie and mutual support among members. Participation in the group has provided opportunities to raise awareness, adopt innovative working methods, and boost members’ confidence.

Most members are locals, including individuals managing recycling collection points, ensuring input and output processes. Though the work can be physically demanding, the sense of solidarity and shared purpose has brought joy and optimism to the group. Members are enthusiastic participants in training sessions organized under the project, continually improving their knowledge and work efficiency.

The group has partnered with the mGreen app, enabling waste dealers to schedule appointments in advance. This collaboration has helped the group connect with nearly 2,000 households in Hue, completing 3,000 successful transactions. Through mGreen, collectors receive order details and schedules, streamlining operations and facilitating cashless payments, fostering trust and convenience for all parties involved.

The TVA/WWF-Vietnam project has also worked closely with city authorities and departments to conduct public awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to classify plastic waste at the source. This has significantly contributed to the project’s success in waste management. WWF-Vietnam calls on all stakeholders – communities, governments, and businesses – to come together to create sustainable change, reduce plastic waste, and build a cleaner, greener Hue.