INTRODUCTION
The environment is crucial for human life, serving three primary functions: supplying resources, offering living space, and accommodating waste Rapid urbanization and industrialization are accelerating in the country, with projections indicating continued growth in the coming years This surge in development, coupled with the increasing exploitation and consumption of natural resources, is exacerbating environmental issues related to gas emissions, liquid waste, and solid waste management.
Environmental pollution poses a significant challenge in Vietnam, primarily driven by solid waste According to the Environmental Protection Law, solid waste encompasses materials discarded from production, business, and various activities Currently, Vietnam generates approximately 12 million tons of domestic solid waste daily, averaging around 200 kg per person annually The rising levels of solid waste contribute to pollution, largely due to inadequate treatment and a lack of effective classification at the source.
In recent years, Hai Phong city has experienced significant development, leading to remarkable achievements However, this progress has also resulted in an increased volume of waste, which poses serious challenges to both the well-being of residents and the environment of the region.
Eco City Plan has aimed to classify, recycle waste into resources, recycled materials
The project aims to minimize household and industrial waste by recycling it into solid fuels and promoting energy recovery from plastics, thereby enhancing resource circulation In collaboration with the International Cooperation Agency of Japan (JICA) and the Forval JAC Group, a feasibility study was conducted to assess the technical and technological aspects of recycling within the Eco City Plan in Hai Phong In July 2015, Japan carried out field surveys to evaluate the waste management situation in Hai Phong, focusing on garbage and construction debris.
2 waste classification model watershed in Le Chan and Hong Bang – two districts in the central of the city
To successfully implement the Eco City Plan, it is crucial for the government, implementing agencies, and residents—particularly those in Le Chan and Hong Bang districts—to collaboratively classify solid waste and focus on recycling efforts However, the awareness and active participation in environmental protection among Hai Phong residents, especially in these districts, have not yet become ingrained habits This prompted me to undertake a thesis titled “Raising Awareness of Local People to Effectively Implement the Eco City Plan on Solid Waste Classification in Hai Phong City.”
GOALS AND (SPECIFIC) OBJECTIVES
General objective
The general objective of the research is to support effectively implementation of Eco City Plan on solid waste classification in Hai Phong city.
Specific objectives
- To assess awareness of local people on Eco City Plan on solid waste classification in Hong Bang and Le Chan districts in Hai Phong;
- To determine factors that affect to awareness of local people on Eco City Plan on solid waste classification in Hong Bang and Le Chan district, Hai Phong city;
- To propose solutions to raise awareness of local people on Eco City Planand effectively implement the Eco City Plan on solid waste classification in Hai Phong city
SITE DESCRIPTION
Hai Phong, the largest port city in northern Vietnam, serves as a vital industrial center and a hub for economy, culture, health, education, science, business, and technology in the northern coastal region As the third largest city in the country and one of five municipalities classified as first-class cities, alongside Da Nang and Can Tho, Hai Phong had a population of approximately 2.1 million as of December 2015, with urban residents making up 46.1% and rural residents 53.9%.
Figure 3.1 Hai Phong geographic map
Hai Phong, a key growth hub in Northern Vietnam, boasts numerous industrial zones and significant commercial and service centers It plays a vital role in tourism, education, health, and coastal fisheries within the northern economic triangle, which encompasses Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh.
METHODS
Collecting data and information
- Hai Phong geographic condition, economic condition, social condition (especially demographic data), solid waste (status and accessing process)
- Eco City Plan, including contents of the project and how it was implemented
The data is mainly collected from Hai Phong Natural Resources and Environment Department, JICA – The main sponsored project, and from other sources
In the Hong Bang land Le Chan districts, I selected Nguyen Duc Canh and Quang Trung streets as the focal point of my study due to their significance as central thoroughfares These streets host a high concentration of stores, schools, and key locations that facilitate transportation and trade activities.
Figure 4.1 Geographical location of Nguyen Duc Canh street and
According to the demographic data of General Statistic Office of Hai Phong, Nguyen Duc Canh street has 264 households, 1275 people; Quang Trung street has 287 households,
1328 people Up to this day, solid waste collecting service in Nguyen Duc Canh and Quang Trung streets is responsibility of Hai Phong urban and environment one member limiter company
A survey was conducted involving a random sample of 100 households located on Nguyen Duc Canh and Quang Trung streets Pre-prepared questionnaires were utilized to gather information regarding living area, gender, age, income, education level, and occupation, as well as residents' attitudes toward solid waste management and classification.
20 staffs in Hai Phong Natural Resources and Environment Department (who carry out this project) were interviewed by using checklist to get information and data on the issues:
- Understanding about Eco City Plan
- The effectiveness of Eco City Plan implementing
- The status of solid waste in study site
- The awareness of people in study site
Three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted, each consisting of 5 to 7 randomly selected participants, to gather comprehensive information from diverse sources The discussions included two groups of households from each district and one group of staff per district, utilizing a prepared checklist to guide the conversation.
Data analysis
4.2.1 Accessing the awareness of local people
There are many factors that affect to the awareness of local people such as living
7 area, gender, age, income, education level, and occupation
Descriptive statistic were used to analyze the collected quantitative data, then, draw charts, graphs, frequencies, and percentage
- Transcribe data (if audio taped)
- Highlight quotes and note why important
- Code quotes according to margin nots
- Sort quotes into coded groups (themes)
Quantitative and qualitative data after coding and analyzing are divided into 3 parts: knowledge, awareness and behavior
SWOT tool was used to assess the status of project by strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats, than propose the methods to reduce the weaknesses and threats
- Step 1: Depending on collected data, I divide into groups: Location, Demographic, Education level, Economy, Participation of local people
- Step 7: Use the table below to analyze
Table 4.1 SWOT analysis of the status of project
Opportunity Use strengths to take opportunity Overcome weakness that stopping us to opportunity
Threat Use strengths to reduce threat Overcome weakness that can be threat
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
RESULTS
The description of the respondents
A total of 135 respondents, comprising local residents and staff members, participated in the interview process These individuals were selected randomly to provide responses to a set of prepared questions Detailed information about the respondents is presented in the table below.
Educational level Be able to read, write 6 4.44%
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
Table 5.2 Assessing the solid waste treatment form of households
The solid waste treatment form of households N %
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
In the study area, a significant majority of residents (85.2%) have registered with the People's Committee for solid waste treatment and contribute to the environmental fee for waste collection services However, only a small fraction utilizes public wastebaskets (7.41%), engages in recycling (5.19%), or disposes of waste irresponsibly (2.22%).
The result is divided into 3 main groups: Knowledge, awareness and behavior of local people about solid waste classification that are shown below
The study categorizes knowledge of solid waste classification into four levels: well, medium, weak, and unknown Individuals with well knowledge, accounting for over 80%, can effectively distinguish between organic and inorganic solid waste and correctly utilize green and yellow waste bins The medium knowledge group, comprising those with 50% to 80% understanding, generally recognizes the difference between waste types but struggles with proper classification and bin usage The weak knowledge level includes individuals with less than 50% knowledge, who find it challenging to identify or classify waste accurately Lastly, the unknown level consists of individuals who lack any understanding of solid waste definitions and classifications.
Knowledge
5.2.1 Knowledge about solid waste classification by gender
57 male and 78 female participated in the interview There are the differences in respondents from different gender The study results are shown in the Table 5.3
Table 5.3 Knowledge about solid waste classification according to gender
Gender Knowledge level about solid waste classification
A significant disparity in knowledge about solid waste classification exists between genders, with 47.4% of male participants demonstrating a strong understanding compared to only 21.8% of female participants Additionally, 43.6% of females possess medium knowledge on the topic, while 24.6% of males fall into the same category The rates of weak knowledge are relatively close, with 19.3% of males and 21.8% of females indicating limited understanding Furthermore, the percentage of participants who are unsure about their knowledge is also similar, with 8.8% of males and 12.8% of females falling into this category.
The findings indicate that men possess a higher level of knowledge compared to women, primarily due to greater access to information through reading newspapers and attending local meetings In contrast, women often have limited time for news consumption as they are typically occupied with household responsibilities and childcare.
5.2.2 Knowledge about solid waste classification by age
Age significantly influences individuals' understanding of solid waste classification In a study involving 135 participants, 39 were aged 13 to 22, 29 were between 23 and 40, 22 were aged 40 to 60, and 45 were over 60 The findings on solid waste classification across these age groups are detailed in Table 5.4.
Table 5.4 Knowledge about solid waste classification according to age group
Age group Knowledge level about solid waste classification
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
The age group has the highest knowledge about solid waste classification is group
Individuals aged 40 to 60 are primarily engaged with local authorities on solid waste classification, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic In contrast, those aged 13 to 22 and over 60 years old acquire their knowledge mainly through schools, newspapers, and television The group aged 23 to 39 shows the least awareness regarding solid waste classification.
39 years old People in this age have to work hard and have no time to learn deeper in solid waste classification
5.2.3 Knowledge about solid waste classification by educational level
Educational level significantly influences knowledge about solid waste classification The majority of participants possess a high educational background, with only 6 individuals able to read and write, 11 having primary education, 16 with secondary education, 41 holding high school diplomas, and 61 either studying or having obtained a college or university degree Detailed results of the various educational levels are presented in Table 5.5.
Table 5.5 Knowledge about solid waste classification according to educational level
Educational level Knowledge level about solid waste classification
Be able to read, write N 0 0 2 4
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
The results indicate that individuals with high school and college/university education possess a significantly higher understanding of solid waste classification compared to those with lower educational levels Specifically, 39.0% of high school graduates demonstrated well knowledge, while 36.6% showed medium knowledge In the college/university group, 32.8% had well knowledge and 39.3% had medium knowledge Conversely, the group with the lowest educational attainment, those who can read and write, reported 0% for both well and medium knowledge, highlighting a stark contrast in awareness regarding solid waste classification.
Individuals with higher education possess a greater understanding of solid waste classification, as they are more likely to access relevant information compared to those with lower educational backgrounds This knowledge is often rooted in their studies of physics and chemistry, equipping them with the skills necessary to effectively categorize solid waste Meanwhile, a significant portion of the population, specifically 66.7% of individuals surveyed, demonstrated weak knowledge or remained uninformed about solid waste classification.
5.2.4 Knowledge about solid waste classification by occupation
In a survey of 135 respondents, the occupational distribution revealed that 25 individuals are employed by the government, 18 work in the private sector, 7 are self-employed, 23 are housewives, 32 are students, and 30 are retired or unemployed The findings regarding solid waste classification based on occupation are detailed in Table 5.6.
Table 5.6 Knowledge about solid waste classification according to occupation
Knowledge level about solid waste classification
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
According to this result, the highest knowledge about solid waste classification belongs to the group of people work for the government: 12 people (68.0%) well knowledge,
Among the surveyed groups, 28.0% of individuals demonstrated medium knowledge of solid waste classification, while only 4.00% exhibited weak knowledge In the retirement and unemployment category, 40.00% (12 people) showed well knowledge and 43.4% (13 people) had medium knowledge, indicating a higher concern for solid waste classification compared to other groups Conversely, individuals in self-employment and private sectors displayed the lowest knowledge levels, with only 14.3% (1 person) possessing well knowledge and 11.1% (2 people) indicating weak knowledge This lack of awareness, with 44.4% (8 people) and 42.9% (3 people) categorized as having weak knowledge, suggests that those in business prioritize their operations over solid waste management and classification.
Awareness
5.3.1 Assessing the quality of solid waste collecting services
A survey conducted among 135 individuals regarding the current assessment of solid waste treatment services in the area revealed key insights, as illustrated in Table 5.7.
Table 5.7 Assessing the quality of solid waste collecting services in local area Quality level of solid waste collecting services in local area N %
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
Figure 5.1 The quality of solid waste collecting services in local area
In a recent assessment of solid waste collection services, 61.5% of respondents rated the quality as very good, while 30.4% considered it good, and only 5.93% rated it as normal Notably, no participants selected "not good," and just 2.22% abstained from providing an assessment Overall, the solid waste collection services in this central area, which reflects the city's standards, are regarded positively The local environment receives more attention compared to other regions, thanks to regular cleaning by the Hai Phong Urban and Environmental Company, and this has led to heightened awareness among residents regarding the quality of these services.
5.3.2 Assessing the important level of solid waste classification by gender
The assessment of 57 male and 78 female about the important level of solid waste classification is shown in Table 5.8
The quality of solid waste collecting services in local area
Table 5.8 Assessing the important level of solid waste classification according to gender
Gender Important level of solid waste classification
Very important Important Normal Not important
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
The study reveals that men prioritize solid waste classification more than women, with 50.9% of men (29 individuals) considering it very important, compared to only 21.8% of women (17 individuals) While a majority of women view solid waste classification as important (30.8% - 24 individuals) or normal (33.3% - 26 individuals), overall, both genders recognize its significance This indicates a strong awareness among local communities regarding the importance of classifying solid waste.
5.3.3 Assessing the important level of solid waste classification by age
A total of 135 participants assessed the importance of solid waste classification, categorized by age groups: 39 individuals aged 13-22, 29 aged 23-40, 22 aged 40-60, and 45 aged over 60 The findings are detailed in the table below.
Table 5.9 Assessing the important level of solid waste classification according to age group
3 Important level of solid waste classification
Very important Important Normal Not important
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
A recent assessment revealed that individuals over 60 years old place significant importance on solid waste classification, with 51.1% (23 people) deeming it very important and 33.3% (15 people) considering it important This demographic is particularly concerned about environmental issues and the well-being of future generations due to their long life experiences In contrast, the age group of 13 to 22 years old showed a lower concern, with 38.5% (15 people) rating it as normal and 25.5% (8 people) viewing it as unimportant This younger group tends to prioritize their studies and entertainment, leading to a diminished interest in solid waste classification despite having some knowledge about it.
5.3.4 Assessing the important level of solid waste classification by educational level
A total of 135 respondents participated in the survey, which included 6 individuals who can read and write, 11 with primary education, 16 with secondary education, 41 with high school education, and 61 who are pursuing or have obtained a college or university degree The findings regarding the significance of solid waste classification based on educational levels are presented in the table below.
Table 5.10 Assessing the important level of solid waste classification according to educational level
Educational level Important level of solid waste classification
Be able to read, write N 0 1 2 3
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
Research indicates that individuals with higher educational levels place greater importance on solid waste classification Among high school respondents, 41.5% rated it as very important, while 22.0% considered it important In the college/university group, 36.1% assessed it as very important and 32.8% as important This trend suggests that those with higher education recognize the significance of environmental issues and solid waste management Conversely, individuals with basic literacy skills show the least concern for solid waste classification, reflecting a general lack of awareness regarding social and environmental problems.
5.3.5 Assessing the important level of solid waste classification by occupation
A total of 25 government employees, 18 private sector workers, 7 self-employed individuals, 23 housewives, 32 students, and 30 retirees participated in the research on solid waste assessment The findings, categorized by occupation, are presented in Table 5.11.
Table 5.11 Accessing the important level of solid waste classification according to occupation
Important level of solid waste classification Very important
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
A recent assessment of solid waste classification revealed that government employees consider it the most critical issue, with 60% deeming it very important and 28% viewing it as important Retirees and unemployed individuals also showed significant concern, with 36.7% rating it as very important and 33.3% as important, likely due to their increased access to information through social media In contrast, business owners prioritize their work over environmental issues, with only 42.9% considering solid waste classification normal and 14.3% deeming it unimportant Overall, individuals across various occupations recognize the importance of solid waste management.
5.3.6 Assessing the important level of stakeholders in solid waste classification
Stakeholders play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of project implementation, particularly in solid waste classification The significance of stakeholders was assessed through responses from 135 participants, as detailed in Table 5.12.
Table 5.12 Assessing the important level of stakeholders in solid waste classification
Important level of stakeholders in solid waste classification Very important
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
A significant majority of respondents highlighted the crucial roles of local people and authorities in solid waste classification, with 62.2% (84 individuals) rating local residents as very important and 43.0% (58 individuals) rating local authorities similarly These stakeholders are recognized for their direct impact on the effectiveness of the waste classification process Conversely, volunteers were deemed the least important, with only 27.4% (37 votes) considering them significant, largely due to the infrequency of volunteer activities in the area, which has led to their low assessment in stakeholder importance.
5.3.7 Assessing the level of willingness to classify solid waste
Evaluating the community's readiness to classify solid waste is crucial for understanding their preparedness for implementing waste classification systems The findings are detailed in Table 5.13.
Table 5.13 Accessing the level of willingness to classify solid waste
Level of willingness to classify solid waste N %
Deny to classify solid waste 13 9.63%
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
Figure 5.2 The level of willingness to classify solid waste
The level of willingness to classify solid waste
Deny to classify solid waste
A significant majority of respondents, 63.0% (85 individuals), expressed confusion regarding solid waste classification Only 12 individuals, representing 8.89%, demonstrated a strong willingness to participate in the initiative, while 25 people (18.5%) showed some willingness Conversely, 12 respondents (9.63%) outright rejected the idea of implementing solid waste classification These findings indicate that a large portion of the population is not adequately prepared to engage in solid waste management practices.
Behavior
5.4.1 The number of households classifies solid waste at home
The project has been in operation for one year, during which I conducted a survey to assess the number of households participating in home solid waste classification The findings are illustrated in the figure below.
Figure 5.3 The number of households classifies solid waste at home
A recent survey revealed that 73.3% of participants do not practice solid waste classification at home, while only 26.7% do This indicates that despite the project's implementation last year, solid waste classification remains inconsistent and largely unstructured in the area.
5.4.2 The person usually classifies solid waste at home
In 36 people have classified solid waste at home, I continued asking about the person that usually classifies solid waste at home The result is shown in the table below
The number of households classifies solid waste at home
Table 5.14 The person usually classifies solid waste at home
Person usually classifies solid waste at home N %
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
A recent study reveals that wives are primarily responsible for classifying solid waste at home, accounting for 86.1% of responses, while husbands do not participate in this task at all This finding highlights the significant role of women in waste management, as they handle all household responsibilities, including waste treatment Their involvement is crucial for the success of the Eco City Plan, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of women's contributions to sustainable practices.
Factors that affect to the awareness of local people in solid waste classification
5.5.1 Sources of information for households about solid waste classification
The awareness of local residents regarding solid waste classification is significantly influenced by the sources of information available to them A survey conducted with 135 respondents revealed their preferred media for obtaining information about the project, as illustrated in Table 5.15.
Table 5.15 Sources of information for households about solid waste classification
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
Only 4.44% (6 people) answered that they heard about solid waste classification from the project staffs 18 people (13.3%) get information from residential groups More than half of respondents (70 people – 51.9%) know about solid waste classification from people
In a recent study, it was found that 37 individuals (27.4%) obtain information primarily from communication media, while the majority rely on their immediate surroundings and neighborhood This indicates that enhancing these information sources could significantly boost public participation, which is crucial for the successful implementation of solid waste classification in the area.
5.5.2 Reasons for non-classify solid waste
Out of 135 participants, 99 individuals do not engage in solid waste classification at home I inquired about the reasons behind this lack of classification through a questionnaire that presented eight possible explanations The findings are detailed in Table 5.16.
Table 5.16 Reasons for non-classify solid waste at home
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
A significant majority of respondents, 77 individuals (57.0%), expressed concerns about wasting time on solid waste classification, while only 25 participants (18.5%) admitted to following the actions of others This highlights a prevalent sentiment in Vietnamese society, where many individuals prioritize their time for other activities over engaging in waste sorting.
Crowd manipulation occurs when individuals follow the behavior of others, often ignoring their own judgment Despite having the ability to classify situations independently, people frequently choose not to do so, simply because they observe that others are not making classifications.
5.5.3 Reasons for classify solid waste
A survey was conducted with 135 respondents to explore the reasons for classifying solid waste, with detailed results presented in the table below.
Table 5.17 Reasons for classify solid waste
For the future environment/ generations 4 2.96%
Reduce time to treat solid waste for the environmental company 12 8.89%
My own awareness about the importance of classifying solid waste/ duty
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
A study revealed that 60% of respondents (81 individuals) identified incentives, monetary rewards, or benefits as the primary motivation for classifying solid waste In contrast, only 2.96% (4 people) cited concern for future generations, while 3.70% (5 people) mentioned personal satisfaction or habit These findings suggest that the desire for tangible benefits significantly drives community participation in solid waste classification, highlighting its critical role in influencing local behavior and the overall effectiveness of waste management initiatives.
Assessing the status of project by strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats
According to the results above, I summarize the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats to assess the status of the project The details are shown in Table 5.18
Table 5.18 SWOT analysis of the project
- Good facilities, waste collecting services in the study area
- Most of people have high education, also high knowledge about solid waste classification
- A majority of local people have high awareness in recognizing the importance of solid waste classification
- Local people know the importance of their role in classifying solid waste
- Women know about solid waste classification less than men
- The youth care about solid waste classification less than the old
- People are not willing to participate in classifying solid waste
- The awareness and behavior of people are not uniform
- Local people have trend to follow people around to not classify solid waste at home
- Lack of volunteer activities and guideline of project staffs
- People prefer to get rewards for classifying solid waste
- Good conditions to practice classifying solid waste
- Easier to educate people to distinguish organic and inorganic waste
- Easier to courage people to participate in classifying solid waste
- They can directly classify solid waste to reach the effectiveness of the project
- Women are the main people classify at home It takes time to teach them how to classify solid waste
- It is not good for long term plan to classify solid waste because the youth is the main source of labor to classify solid waste in the future
- Hard to change the their passive mind and habit in non-classifying solid waste at home
- There are no examples for people to learn how to classify organic and inorganic waste
- Lack of combination between staffs, local authorities and local people
- People think the benefit from physical rewards are higher than environmental values, so they do not want to spend time to classify solid waste
(Source: Results calculated by author based on data surveyed, 2016)
The SWOT analysis highlights key strengths and opportunities for effective solid waste classification in the study area, including the availability of convenient facilities such as green and yellow bins Additionally, the high level of knowledge and awareness among residents regarding solid waste classification enhances the potential for successful project implementation, making it easier to educate and encourage individuals to practice waste sorting at home.
The primary weakness in solid waste classification at home lies with women, who often lack adequate knowledge about the process and require more guidance from project staff to improve their skills Their involvement is crucial for the successful implementation of the Eco City Plan Additionally, educating the youth is essential, as their active participation in solid waste classification is vital for long-term sustainability The phenomenon of "crowd manipulation" poses a significant threat to the project, particularly in Haiphong city, and must be addressed to prevent potential failure.
Recommendations
Awareness of environmental protection is on the rise, yet many individuals still fail to acknowledge their personal responsibility in addressing these issues While the significance of solid waste classification is recognized, specific actions to enhance solid waste treatment remain lacking To improve the effectiveness of the Eco City Plan, it is essential to implement targeted solutions that encourage active participation in waste management initiatives.
Transforming the habits and behaviors of local communities requires time and consistent efforts in environmental education and awareness regarding solid waste classification It is essential to utilize various media channels to effectively disseminate information to individuals of all genders, ages, occupations, and educational backgrounds.
- Establishing practice programs for local people, providing more information to educate them how to classify organic and inorganic waste
Effective implementation of the Eco City Plan requires close collaboration among project staff, local authorities, and community members Engaging with organizations such as the Women’s Union, Youth Assembly, and Elderly Group is essential to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and information to the local population.
Regular street cleaning initiatives, combined with local activities, encourage community members to engage in self-management for environmental protection This fosters a heightened sense of personal responsibility and reflects urban civilization, while strengthening the community's collective responsibility towards maintaining a clean environment.
Incorporating environmental protection, particularly solid waste classification, as a key criterion for evaluating cultural families can enhance community engagement By rewarding households that consistently practice solid waste sorting with certificates or cleaning tools like brooms and shovels, we can effectively motivate participation in this initiative.
- Increasing the number of solid waste classified people by appealing volunteers to do cleaning and classifying activities in the project implemented area
Integrating pre-schools and primary schools to collect and purchase inorganic solid waste for repurposing into toys and exhibits promotes recycling education among children This initiative not only teaches the significance of recycling and solid waste classification but also creates economic opportunities for individuals involved in waste sorting.
Figure 5.4 Some recycled products from inorganic solid waste
Source: Huynh Gia Hy and Author
CONCLUSION
The survey and interviews revealed that while local residents possess knowledge and awareness regarding the significance of solid waste classification, they often lack the concrete behaviors necessary to implement this understanding effectively.
Knowledge of solid waste classification varies by gender, age, occupation, and education level Research indicates that men generally possess a greater understanding of this issue compared to women Additionally, both the oldest and youngest age groups demonstrate more knowledge in solid waste classification than those in middle age Individuals employed in government and retirees tend to have a better grasp of the topic than those in other professions Furthermore, a higher level of education correlates with increased knowledge about solid waste classification.
Awareness of solid waste classification varies significantly among different demographics, with older adults, middle-aged individuals, government staff, retirees, and those with higher education recognizing its importance In contrast, younger people, students, and those with lower education levels tend to perceive its significance as low Additionally, local communities acknowledge their crucial role as key stakeholders in the successful implementation of waste management projects.
The respondents demonstrate a lack of preparation for implementing solid waste classification, with many expressing confusion and reluctance to invest time in the process.
The thesis recommends several solutions to address solid waste management issues, including the use of social media for environmental education and awareness about waste classification It suggests implementing solid waste practice courses for local communities and incorporating waste classification into cultural family assessments Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of guidance from project staff, local authorities, and volunteers in teaching proper waste classification The proposal also includes initiatives for collecting and purchasing inorganic waste for recycling, alongside educating youth on the significance of solid waste classification.