Waste Separation from January 1, 2025: Decree 45/2022/ND-CP – How to Do It Right to Avoid Fines!

Starting January 1, 2025, Vietnam will officially enforce Decree 45/2022/ND-CP on solid waste management, requiring all households and businesses to separate waste at the source. This is not just a legal obligation but also a crucial step toward reducing environmental pollution, optimizing resources, and alleviating the burden on already overloaded landfills.

KEY REGULATIONS IN DECREE 45/2022/ND-CP

• Waste separation responsibility: Households and businesses must separate waste into designated categories before disposal.
• Collection and transportation principles: Waste collection units will only accept properly sorted waste.
• Fines for non-compliance:
  • Households failing to separate waste may face fines ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
  • Businesses and organizations violating the regulation may be fined up to 10,000,000 VND.
• New waste collection fee system:
  • Fees will be calculated based on the weight or volume of waste, rather than a flat fee, to encourage waste reduction.

HOW TO SEPARATE WASTE PROPERLY

Under the decree, household waste must be divided into three main categories:

1. Organic Waste (Biodegradable, can be composted into fertilizer)

✅ Leftover food, fruit peels, vegetables
✅ Coffee grounds, tea leaves
✅ Dry leaves, grass clippings

2. Recyclable Waste (Reusable or can be processed into new products)

♻ Paper, cardboard
♻ PET plastics (bottles, plastic containers)
♻ Metal, aluminum cans
♻ Glass, bottles

3. Residual Waste (Non-recyclable, requires special disposal)

🚫 Diapers, sanitary napkins, tissues
🚫 Contaminated plastic bags, foam boxes
🚫 Medical waste (used syringes, face masks)

🔹 Handling: Place in a separate waste bag, do not mix with recyclable waste.

SETTING UP PROPER WASTE SEPARATION AT HOME & BUSINESS

To make waste separation easier and more efficient, having proper waste bins is essential. Every household and business should:

✔ Have at least three waste bins corresponding to the three waste categories.
✔ Label or use color-coded bins for easy identification.
✔ Place bins in convenient locations to encourage proper waste separation.
✔ Businesses should consider setting up dedicated waste separation zones to enhance collection efficiency.
✔ Reduce single-use waste whenever possible.
✔ Educate family members and the community on proper waste separation.
✔ Participate in recycling programs and collection initiatives.

WHY YOU SHOULD START NOW!

🔹 Reduce environmental pollution: Improperly sorted waste contaminates soil, water, and air, directly impacting human health.
🔹 Recycle and maximize resources: Organic waste can be turned into fertilizer, while recyclable waste helps conserve natural resources.
🔹 Alleviate landfill overload: Major landfills like Nam Sơn (Hanoi) and Đa Phước (Ho Chi Minh City) are already at full capacity.
🔹 Protect community health: Improper waste disposal is a leading cause of disease.
🔹 Avoid fines and comply with regulations: Individuals and businesses will face strict penalties if waste is not sorted correctly.

Waste separation is not just a responsibility—it’s a benefit for everyone. Decree 45/2022/ND-CP is not just a regulation but an opportunity for Vietnam to move closer to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

🌱 Explore ECO Solutions’ waste separation bins and take action today!