Abstract

The paper has applied some research methods to initially assess the current status of plastic waste and propose some practical solutions to reduce plastic waste in Vietnam. Research results showed that plastic waste in Vietnam arises from many different sources; The total amount of plastic waste in Vietnam is 3.27 million tons/year, accounting for about 8-12% of household solid waste and about 5% of medical waste; The treatment and recycling of plastic waste is still limited, up to 90% of plastic waste is burned, buried or discharged into the environment, only about 10% of plastic waste is recycled. To reduce plastic waste, it is essential to implement many synchronous measures from mechanisms and policies; raise community awareness; minimize the use of plastic bags and single-use plastic products; strengthen research, application of science and technology and international cooperation in plastic waste management.