In the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, young students at Hue’s Thuan Thanh Primary School gather for their ‘I Love the Environment’ club meeting, animatedly discussing ways to reuse and recycle plastic. Their enthusiasm reflects a growing national movement in Vietnam to tackle one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: plastic waste. After nearly five years of testing innovative pilot models across the country, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Vietnam) has identified six standout initiatives that could transform how Vietnam manages its plastic pollution, with plans to scale them up nationwide.

Since 2020, WWF-Vietnam has collaborated with local authorities and departments in 10 provinces and cities, from Phu Quoc in the south to Ha Tinh in the central region, to reduce plastic waste by at least 30 per cent and eliminate it from nature by 2030. These efforts, focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling, have not only targeted waste management systems but also aimed to shift public behaviours around plastic consumption. The results are promising, with six models emerging as particularly effective after rigorous evaluation. If successfully expanded, these initiatives could position Vietnam as a regional leader in combating plastic pollution, though experts caution that significant coordination and investment will be required to ensure lasting impact.

A National Challenge with Local Solutions

Vietnam is among the world’s top contributors to plastic waste, with millions of tonnes entering the environment annually, much of it ending up in rivers and oceans. Rapid urbanisation, a growing population, and reliance on single-use plastics have exacerbated the crisis. The pilot programmes, implemented in diverse locations such as Rach Gia in Kien Giang Province and Thanh Khe District in Da Nang, address this challenge through tailored, community-driven approaches. They range from mobilising fishermen to collect waste to transforming old tarpaulins into marketable products, each model reflecting the unique needs and resources of its locale.

One of the most impactful initiatives is the “Mobilising Fishermen to Bring Garbage Ashore” programme in Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province. By encouraging fishermen to collect plastic waste from the sea and bring it back for recycling, the programme has significantly reduced marine pollution. The proceeds from recycled materials contribute to a charity fund, incentivising participation while fostering a sense of community responsibility. Beyond protecting marine ecosystems, this initiative supports sustainable tourism—a key economic driver in coastal regions. Local support has been overwhelming, with fishermen becoming active stewards of their environment.

Similarly, in Tuy Hoa City and Ha Tinh Province, the “Market for Sorting and Composting Organic Waste” model has shown how waste can be turned into a resource. By sorting organic waste at markets and composting it on a larger scale, the initiative has cut down the volume of waste sent to landfills while producing useful products like fertiliser. More importantly, it has shifted public attitudes towards waste management, encouraging residents to see value in what was once discarded.

In Rach Gia City, two distinct models have gained attention for their creativity and social value. The “Waste Classification and Organic Waste Treatment” programme promotes decentralised waste management, encouraging households to sort and treat organic waste themselves. This reduces chemical pollutants in the environment and enhances community awareness, aligning with local solid waste management plans. Meanwhile, the “Reusing Old Tarpaulins” initiative repurposes discarded materials into marketable products, offering a humanitarian angle by involving charitable organisations. However, WWF-Vietnam notes that this model remains small-scale and requires investment in mechanisation and design innovation to become commercially viable. If these hurdles are addressed, it could serve as a blueprint for upcycling across Vietnam.

In Da Nang’s Thanh Khe District, the “Green House” programme has engaged diverse stakeholders, including local women’s associations, to promote sorting and recycling of plastic waste. The initiative has led to a noticeable reduction in environmental plastic, particularly high-value materials that can be recycled at higher rates. Community awareness has surged, with residents increasingly recognising the importance of their role in waste reduction.

Finally, the “Eliminating Hotspots and Intervening to Prevent Reinfection” model in Vung Ro Bay, Phu Yen Province, focuses on clearing plastic pollution hotspots and preventing their recurrence. By improving the marine environment for aquaculture, the programme has boosted productivity and product quality, enabling cleaner farming areas to meet stringent domestic and international standards. This not only benefits local economies but also strengthens Vietnam’s position in global markets.

The Road to Nationwide Impact

While these six models demonstrate significant potential, scaling them up presents complex challenges. WWF-Vietnam’s findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts between local authorities, businesses, and communities. Infrastructure investment is critical—many regions lack the facilities to handle increased waste sorting and recycling on a larger scale. Public awareness campaigns are equally vital to sustain behavioural changes, particularly in rural areas where waste management practices are less developed.

Financial constraints also loom large. For instance, expanding the tarpaulin reuse model requires funding for mechanisation and marketing to make products competitive. Similarly, composting initiatives need support to establish collection and treatment systems that can operate at scale without overburdening local budgets. Experts suggest that partnerships with private sectors could bridge these gaps, with businesses incentivised to invest in sustainable practices through tax breaks or subsidies. If confirmed, such measures could accelerate the rollout of these initiatives, though no concrete commitments have been announced yet.

Moreover, cultural and regional differences across Vietnam must be considered. What works in urban Da Nang may not resonate in remote A Luoi District. Customisation will be key, as will training programmes to equip local leaders with the skills to adapt these models to their contexts. Community buy-in, as seen in Dong Hoi’s fishermen initiative, remains a cornerstone of success—without it, even the most innovative solutions risk failure.

A Model for the Region?

Vietnam’s efforts come at a time when Southeast Asia grapples with a mounting plastic waste crisis. Neighbouring countries like Thailand and Indonesia face similar challenges, with plastic pollution threatening biodiversity and public health. If Vietnam can successfully scale these initiatives, it could offer a replicable framework for the region. The emphasis on community engagement and local adaptation aligns with the region’s diverse cultural and economic landscapes, making Vietnam’s approach potentially transferable.

However, experts caution against over-optimism. The scale of the problem—millions of tonnes of plastic waste generated annually—demands systemic change beyond pilot projects. National policies, such as bans on single-use plastics or stricter waste management regulations, must complement grassroots efforts. While WWF-Vietnam’s target of eliminating plastic waste in nature by 2030 is ambitious, achieving it will require political will and sustained funding, neither of which is guaranteed. Estimates of the costs involved remain unconfirmed, and there is no evidence yet of a comprehensive government strategy to support nationwide expansion.

Back at Thuan Thanh Primary School in Hue, the next generation is already embracing the ethos of sustainability. Their discussions on plastic reuse are a microcosm of a broader shift in Vietnam—a growing recognition that environmental challenges require collective action. The success of WWF-Vietnam’s six pilot models offers hope, demonstrating that innovative, community-led solutions can make a tangible difference. Yet, as these initiatives prepare for national scaling, the path ahead is fraught with logistical, financial, and cultural hurdles.

For now, Vietnam stands at a crossroads. If local authorities, businesses, and communities can unite behind these models, the country could lead by example in the fight against plastic pollution. But without sustained investment and coordination, even the most promising initiatives risk remaining isolated success stories. As one student in Hue poignantly asked during the club meeting, “If we don’t act now, who will clean up our future?” It’s a question that resonates far beyond the classroom walls.