ENVIRONMENT

Waste Management Systems and practices relating to solid waste storage and collection vary considerably from one country to another. In Vietnam, waste collection system which is far from efficiency partly covers of the urban areas and almost neglects the rural areas. It is common to find domestic wastes dumped on pedestrian pavements or roadside curbs, where they are sorted through by scavengers before being picked up by waste collection workers at night time. Mechanised composting plants have had some success in Vietnam, but many plants have not been operating to capacity. In some places decomposed waste is removed from dumpsites and screened before being sold for use as a soil conditioner. There appears to have been no research into the quality (particularly the contents of heavy metals) of the decomposed material that is used in this way.

The majority of solid waste disposal and landfill sties are poorly operated and maintained. Environmental and social issues associated with landfills in Vietnam, include contamination of groundwater and surface water by leachate, emissions of air pollutants and odours, vermin, public health problems from gases and emissions, waterborne diseases and dust and noise. Health and safety issues are particularly signinficant for wastepickers who work informally on landfill sites and who are generally socially marginalized, disadvantaged group, comprising a high proportion of women and children.

Grontmij | Carl Bro Vietnam has qualified and experienced experts in multidisciplines covering both technical and social fields. Our services include:

- Solid waste Master Plans, Strategies and Action Plans
- Feasibility Studies covering legal, organizational, technical, environmental, financial and social aspects, including cost benefit and cost effectiveness analysis.
- Design of collection and recycling systems, transport and transfer systems
- Siting of solid waste facilities, including Environmental Impact Assessment
- Conceptual, preliminary and detailed design of treatment and disposal facilities
- Implementation support, including Tender documents, contracting, supervision and commissioning
- O& M Training for utility staff
- Operational monitoring and reporting
- Raising public awareness and encouraging public participation in waste separation at sources.
- Special treatment for hazardous and healthcare waste; and port waste.