Driving Circular Waste Management Solutions through Community and Business Engagement

On 6 March 2026, government officials, businesses, development partners, and civil society gathered in Da Nang for the International Conference on Integrated and Sustainable Waste Management.  

The event was co-organised by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Central Highlands Branch), and the Center for Education and Development (CED), in partnership with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and support from UK International Development through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Vice Chairman of the Da Nang's People's Committee, Ho Quang Buu, attended and delivered a keynote address. 

Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman Ho Quang Buu noted that, in the context of climate change and rapid urbanisation, integrated and circular waste management is not only an environmental necessity but also a driver of economic growth. He called on relevant authorities to gather expert recommendations and community input to inform policies supporting a green and circular economy, and reaffirmed the city's continued commitment to working with international partners such as GAHP and Defra. 

The conference featured three working sessions focusing on national waste management strategies and circular economy trends, international and domestic case studies, and an open dialogue between regulators and businesses on practical challenges and solutions. On the sidelines, students showcased  handcrafted products made from recycled materials including plastic bottles, cardboard, and used household items, illustrating how environmental awareness is taking root among younger generations.The conference served as the closing milestone of the Environmental Pollution Programme in Viet Nam (EPP-VN), implemented by CED in coordination with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP).  

Over the course of the project, waste sorting and awareness activities reached communities across Da Nang, including: 

• STEAM-based waste management programmes in 5 schools, engaging 159 teachers and training 32 Environmental Leaders 

• Outreach to more than 4,000 students 

• 17 enterprises surveyed and 24 interviewed in-depth, with 1 consultation workshop for 40 businesses 

• 9 businesses signed MOU for Waste Audit and Circular Economy models; 5 enterprises implemented circular economy and waste audit models 

• 200 staff trained across participating enterprises 

• Consultation included VCCI, Da Nang Women Entrepreneurs Association, Da Nang Association of SMEs, and enterprises in accommodation, catering, retail, transportation, and waste management 

Students participated in STEAM-based environmental education activities in Da Nang (GAHP 2026)

Private sector engagement has translated into tangible operational changes across participating enterprises. 

At Leaf Village & Farm, organic waste is repurposed as animal feed, while collected plastic bottles generate additional income streams. At Sunny Ocean Hotel, investments in a food waste processing system, replacement of single-use plastics with glass, and installation of energy-efficient lighting have reduced environmental impact. 

These actions demonstrate growing private sector commitment to circular economy practices through operational improvements, supply chain adjustments, and local value creation, with benefits extending to surrounding communities, including ethnic minority groups. 

Across sites, staff training, improved waste sorting systems, and partnerships with local suppliers are creating more circular supply chains — with economic opportunities extended to surrounding communities, including ethnic minority groups. 

Sustainable practices implemented by participating businesses in Da Nang (GAHP 2025).

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The design and implementation of this project have been accomplished through a collaborative effort with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and funded by UK International Development from the UK government through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).  

Reference: 

1. Bùi, V. X. (2026). Personal communication. Executive Director, Leaf Village & Farm (Làng Lá), Da Nang, Vietnam. 

2. Doanh nghiệp Việt Nam. (2026, March 6). Doanh nghiệp là chủ thể quan trọng thực thi các giải pháp bảo vệ môi trường. Doanh nghiệp Việt Nam.