Research on adjusting prices of household waste collection services, towards a green and sustainable environment

The Hanoi People's Committee plans to adjust the price of household waste collection services to 43,000 VND/person/month from 2026. This is an important step to reduce the budget burden, encourage waste classification at source and improve the quality of the urban environment.

The decision was made in the context of a sharp increase in urban waste, requiring more effective treatment solutions, along with pilot implementation of waste classification at source.

Waste pressure and sustainability costs

The Hanoi People's Committee is seeking comments on the Draft Regulation on prices for collection, transportation and treatment of domestic solid waste. Accordingly, the price will be adjusted to increase gradually in the next 2 years, reaching 21,000 VND/person/month in 2025 and the highest 43,000 VND/person/month from 2026. Currently, the price is 6,000 VND/person/month in wards and 3,000 VND/person/month in communes. This price has been applied since 2016.

According to Mr. Ho Kien Trung, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ), by mid-2025, the total amount of domestic solid waste (CTRSH) generated nationwide will be about 69.4 thousand tons/day, of which Hanoi will reach about 7,300 tons/day. This figure shows that the amount of waste is continuously increasing, putting great pressure on the treatment work even though the urban waste treatment rate has reached nearly 100%.

It is expected that the price of waste collection, transportation and treatment services will be gradually adjusted upwards in the next 2 years. (Photo: TL)

Experts say the adjustment of garbage collection prices is necessary to offset operating costs, improve service quality and encourage people to sort garbage at source. Compared to other localities, the service price in Hanoi is currently among the lowest in the country. Ho Chi Minh City is applying 84,000 VND/household/month and Hai Phong is 40,000 VND/household/month.

According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Quyet, Deputy Head of the Economic Infrastructure Department, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi City, the gradual increase in fees is necessary, partly to reduce the burden on the State budget, and at the same time encourage people to reduce waste generation and raise community awareness.

Building a harmonious roadmap

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Environment Ho Kien Trung, localities are mainly piloting waste classification on a small scale. As of mid-2025, 32/63 provinces and cities have piloted waste classification.

In Hanoi, the waste sorting model at source has been implemented in 5 districts since June 2024, including Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung and Nam Tu Liem. Some other districts such as Long Bien, Dong Anh, Gia Lam and Ba Vi have also proactively implemented the pilot. However, the implementation still faces a number of challenges, from people's awareness to unsynchronized collection infrastructure.

A representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment emphasized that adjusting service prices is necessary to ensure sustainable costs of operation, collection, transportation and waste treatment. At the same time, the Ministry also noted that Hanoi needs to develop a reasonable and transparent price increase roadmap, and improve service quality to gain people's consent.

Environmental experts affirm that, in addition to adjusting service prices, raising awareness of waste classification at source, developing modern treatment and recycling technology, along with people's consensus are decisive factors for effective solid waste management. Hanoi needs to refer to successful models in Hoi An, Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City for synchronous implementation. This both ensures environmental sanitation and is suitable for people's ability to pay.

In addition, the synchronous implementation of waste collection and treatment infrastructure, including transfer stations, specialized vehicles, and modern treatment plants, will determine the success of the policy. Experts emphasize that improving service quality along with increasing prices will receive support from the people.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/nghien-cuu-dieu-chinh-gia-dich-vu-thu-gom-rac-sinh-hoat-huong-toi-moi-truong-xanh-va-ben-vung-216167.html