Con Dao district effectively implements waste separation at source

100% of neighborhoods in the district are actively participating in the initiative.
For years, Ms. Tran Kim Le Thi, a resident of Group 2, Residential Area 5, Nguyen Hue Street, has practiced waste separation by sorting out recyclable materials like beer cans, plastic, and cardboard to sell as scrap.
She classifies waste into four categories: recyclable waste goes into an orange bin, food scraps like leftover vegetables, soup, and spoiled rice go into a green organic bin, and other general waste is placed outside for daily evening collection. Hazardous waste such as used batteries and broken light bulbs is stored in a separate container with a lid and disposed of monthly. “This method allows waste to be collected and processed more efficiently. Recyclable materials are collected and treated by the district, so not only my family but most households on the island participate enthusiastically,” said Ms. Thi.
According to the Agriculture and Environment Division of Con Dao District, the campaign for WSAS was launched four years ago, but it has been implemented comprehensively across households, organizations, production facilities, and service businesses over the past year. All 9 residential zones are now actively separating waste. Many local businesses and eateries are also leading by example—such as An Oi Restaurant on Le Van Luong Street, which is considered a model establishment for WSAS.
Ms. La Thi Nhu Cam, a staff member at An Oi Restaurant, shared that the restaurant has strictly followed WSAS practices for years. Coffee grounds and fruit pulp are collected in separate bags and placed in an organic bin for scheduled pickup by the authorities. Recyclables are brought to the “Green House” model organized by the Women’s Union to raise funds for community projects. Other waste is neatly stored in dedicated bins for nightly collection by specialized waste trucks.

PROMISING RESULTS FROM THE START
To ensure effective implementation, the District People’s Committee issued a plan for solid waste management, outlining waste separation into three basic categories: Biodegradable organic waste, Reusable/recyclable waste (e.g., plastic bottles), Other residual waste. Hazardous waste from households must be stored separately in proper containers and collected according to regulations.

Ms. Le Mong Thuy, Head of the Public Works Management Board, noted that although no waste treatment plant is operational yet in the district, Con Dao has made significant progress in WSAS by maximizing the use of useful waste components.
Specifically, the management board has deployed 42 sets of color-coded bins in residential areas and scheduled separate collections for each waste type.

• Hazardous waste is collected monthly on the 1st day, between 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Bulky waste (e.g., beds, cabinets, TVs, tree stumps) is collected from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. also on the 1st.

• Recyclables are collected every Sunday afternoon and transported to a designated area.

• Organic waste is brought to the district’s nursery, where it is sorted again and composted for use in agriculture.

• Residual waste is collected nightly from 7:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. across all 9 residential zones.

In addition to these solutions, other organizations also contribute to WSAS:

• The Vietnam Fatherland Front provides bins to disadvantaged households.

• The Women’s Union runs the “Green House” program for collecting recyclables to fund support for underprivileged women.

• The District Youth Union has launched "trash-for-gifts" exchange points to encourage participation.