Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, 23 September 2024 – The city of Quy Nhon, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched the Waste Sorting at Source Program and inaugurated the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) today. The events mark a significant step forward in promoting circular economy models, enhancing plastic waste management, and reducing ocean plastic pollution.

Quy Nhon City has made significant efforts in advancing its waste management. With the volume of plastic waste accounting for nearly 20% of the total volume of solid waste generated daily, the city has actively sought innovative solutions to tackle plastic waste. The Waste Sorting at Source Program, piloted in the wards of Ngô Mây and Nguyễn Văn Cừ, involves 8,000 households and engages 200 informal waste workers. By July 2025, the program will be expanded citywide.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Toan, Vice Chairman of the Quy Nhon City People's Committee, emphasized the city's ongoing efforts to maintain its recognition as a clean city. He stated, "Quy Nhon is proud to have been awarded the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for 2020 and again for 2024-2026. Through the Waste Sorting at Source Program, we are committed to preserving this recognition and ensuring that our city remains a benchmark of environmental sustainability. By piloting this program in two wards and expanding it citywide by 2025, we aim to significantly improve our waste management practices, contributing to a cleaner environment and the city's long-term development."

Ms. Mette Møglestue, Deputy Head of Mission, Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi, emphasized the importance of innovation and source sorting, stating, "Waste sorting at source is crucial for waste management in general and recycling in particular. It is the foundation for any systematic intervention along the waste value chain. Innovation is essential for smarter, better, and more effective waste management." She further emphasized Norway's ongoing support for Vietnam's circular economy and waste management efforts, particularly in regions like Quy Nhon.

As part of the event, Quy Nhon City also hosted the Inauguration of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Long My Waste Treatment Complex. Operated by Binh Dinh Environment JSC, the MRF represents a circular business model accelerating plastic waste management. Supported by UNDP and local government, the Facility will receive recyclable materials collected through the Waste Sorting at Source Program, further segregated them before sending to recyclers.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, expressed her enthusiasm for the advancement, stating, "Today's launch of the Waste Sorting at Source Program, the inauguration of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), and our Innovation Day on Plastic Reduction mark significant milestones in our collective journey towards sustainable waste management and a more sustainable future for Quy Nhon City and Binh Dinh province." She highlighted the vital role that partnerships play in ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.

During the inauguration, Mr. Tran Van Tam, Deputy Director of Duy Tan Recycling JSC, spoke about their partnership: "The launching of the MRF represents our collective effort to reduce waste, promote recycling, optimize resources for a circular economy. Duy Tan Recycling will work closely with the MRF to close the loop of plastic lifecycle, turning plastic waste into recycled materials that will re-enter the production chain."

Mr. Nguyen Tan Nghia, Chairman of Binh Dinh Environment JSC, highlighted the facility's environmental and economic impact, adding, "With the operation of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), we aim to recover approximately 4 tons of plastic waste per day, preventing it from ending up landfills or leaking into the environment. This initiative will create green jobs for both formal and informal workers while contributing to building Quy Nhon City's low-emission circular economy."
The ceremony concluded with a site visit to the newly constructed MRF, where participants witnessed firsthand the operations and technologies that will drive plastic recycling in Quy Nhon City.

Financed by the Government of Norway, the 3-year project entitled ‘Scaling-up Integrated and Inclusive Waste Management Models through Empowering the Informal Sector and Fostering the Circular Economy,’ is to deploy and test interventions, including direct support for the informal waste workers, a management model in the fishery sector, and an ecosystem-level approach of value chains through the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility, which will be piloted in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh province.

For more information, please kindly contact:
Phan Huong Giang
UNDP CCE Media and Communications Analyst,
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org
Mob: 0948466688