Assessing the current situation and proposing solutions to improve the efficiency of management of domestic plastic waste from households in Lao Cai City, Lao Cai Province

Abstract

Lao Cai City is a northern border city in Lao Cai province with an economic growth rate of over 7%/year. The amount of domestic solid waste in general, and plastic waste in particular, is increasing along with the economic growth rate, creating significant pressure on local environmental issues. This study, through field surveys combined with collected documents, determined a coefficient of plastic waste generation of 0,07 kg/person/day and assessed the current status of plastic waste management in the city. Additionally, the study proposes solutions in the areas of communication and education; policies, institutions, and legal frameworks; as well as financial and investment strategies for environmental protection. These solutions aim to enhance the effectiveness of solid waste management in general and plastic waste management in particular for Lao Cai City, based on an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in environmental management within the city.