Developing Sustainability through Domestic Solid Waste Management in Dong Thap Province, Mekong Delta of Vietnam: Characteristics, Challenges and Opportunities

IJEP 46(9): 877-889 : Vol. 46 Issue 9 (September 2026)

Full Text

N.T.T. Khanh1, L.D. Kieu2 and P.Q. Nguyen2*

1. An Giang University, Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
2. Dong Thap University, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Dong Thap, Viet Nam

Abstract

The study evaluates the generation, characteristics and current management practices of household solid waste (HW) in Cao Lanh city, Vietnam. The research involved collecting, weighing, classifying and testing HW and administering structured questionnaires to gather relevant information. Findings revealed an average HW generation of 0.45±0.18 kg/capita/day, with organic waste comprising 63.47%, reusable/recyclable waste 19.57%, remaining waste 13.50% and hazardous waste 3.46%. Bulk density was measured at 485±0.004 kg/m3, with varying moisture content across waste types (organic: 75%, inorganic: 65%, hazardous: 5.8%). While recycling habits were commendable (92%), reuse rates remained low (34%). Waste separation at the source was prevalent (84%), primarily for recyclables sold separately. However organic waste remained underutilized. Household solid waste management still has many issues that need attention, such as improper waste classification at the source, inadequate management of hazardous solid waste and high reliance on incineration for waste treatment. Applying the incineration method to recover energy is also difficult due to the high proportion of organic waste with high humidity and people have not paid attention to converting this resource into fertilizer through composting. The results show that local authorities need solutions to promote waste classification at the source, reuse and recycling of waste to manage and use this resource sustainably.

Keywords

Cao Lanh city, Domestic solid waste, Solid waste management, Waste characteristics, Waste generation

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