Uncollected and unsorted waste places a significant burden on urban infrastructure.
Vietnam launched its 2026 Clean Up the World Campaign in Hanoi under the theme “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,” placing food waste and its effects on urban environments at the centre of the initiative. More than 1,000 delegates took part, including about 500 environmental officials and workers from Hanoi Urban Environment Company (URENCO), who also participated in cleanup activities. Food and organic materials account for an estimated 50–70% of household waste in Vietnam. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Trong Yen said inadequate sorting, collection and treatment could place heavy pressure on urban infrastructure and threaten living conditions. He urged reductions at source and described source separation as a foundation for modern waste management. The campaign encourages waste management practices that treat discarded materials as resources. Its approach includes reuse, recycling, material and energy recovery, and appropriate treatment for organic waste. URENCO activated 100 recycling collection hubs across Hanoi during the event and introduced the “21 Days of Sorting” community programme. The hubs accept, weigh, record and direct recyclable materials into recycling systems. Digital maps support the network by helping residents find collection points and follow material flows.
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