Assessing the Readiness of Residents in Bac Ninh city and Cam Pha city to Implement Household Waste Classification under the 2020 Environmental Protection Law

Abstract

     According to the provisions of the 2020 Environmental Protection Law, from December 31, 2024, the classification of household solid waste (HSW) will be mandatory for all individuals and households. However, it is evident that public understanding and the implementation of necessary guidelines for HSW classification remain quite limited. Therefore, the attitude and readiness of the public in adopting the provisions of the 2020 Environmental Protection Law are crucial for the effective, fair, and strict enforcement of the law. This study employs methods such as collecting secondary data, field surveys, and sociological investigations. Surveys conducted in Cam Son and Cam Dong wards (Cam Pha city, Quang Ninh province) and Kinh Bac, Ninh Xa, and Tien An wards (Bac Ninh city, Bac Ninh province) revealed that public awareness about HSW classification at the source is only up to 60%, and the actual implementation rate is much lower, not reaching 50%, especially in Bac Ninh city. The low effectiveness in classification is due to various reasons, primarily public awareness and inadequate guidance from local authorities. These challenges complicate the implementation of HSW classification and collection, as well as the enforcement of penalties for violations as stipulated in the Environmental Protection Law. Consequently, this research proposes several solutions to enhance the effectiveness of waste classification at the source, such as raising community awareness about the importance and methods of HSW classification at the source, and implementing specific measures for classification, collection, and treatment.