Below is the list of national regulations related to waste management and marine debris abatement in Vietnam, categorized based on the legal hierarchy and sorted in a chronological order.
Law No. 14/2010 on Environmental Protection Tax includes plastic bags as taxable objects (Article 3) and subject to an environmental tax of VND30,000–50,000/kg (Article 5).
The Construction Law No. 50/2014 prescribes solid waste collection and treatment facilities as technical infrastructure (Article 3, number 22). Under this law, the Ministry of Construction is authorized to create technical regulation guidelines for specialized construction works (Article 6, number 6).
Law No. 82/2015/QH13 on Marine and Island Resources and Environment is the key legal foundation for the management and protection of marine and island resources in Vietnam. It emphasizes the close linkage between solid waste management and marine environmental protection and strict control of waste disposal into the sea and island areas, particularly hazardous waste, to minimize pollution and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.
Law No. 62/2020/QH14 on Amending and Supplementing the Construction Law No.50/2014, emphasizes environmental protection requirements in construction activities, including the classification, collection, transportation, and treatment of construction and demolition waste (CDW). Notably, the Law contributes to integrating sustainable resource use and circular economy principles into the construction sector.
Law No. 72/2020/QH14 on Environmental Protection was enacted to replace the 2014 Law on Environmental Protection, strengthening the legal framework for waste management towards a circular economy and sustainable development. The Law emphasizes the principles of minimizing waste generation, promoting reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and safe disposal. Notable articles include:
Articles | Provision |
Article 11 | Mandates the thorough examination of waste disposal into the marine environment to meet the standard of environmental protection with an obligation for all stakeholders to protect the marine environment. |
Articles 54-60 | Require producers and importers of products and packaging, including plastic packaging, to implement recycling obligations or contribute financially to waste management under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism. |
Articles 74, 78, 79 |
|
Article 75 | Mandates the segregation of domestic solid waste at source into recyclable waste, food waste, and other waste, and improperly classified waste may be refused collection. |
Articles 76, 77 | Specify the responsibilities of organizations, individuals, and local authorities in waste collection, transportation, and treatment and provides a roadmap for restricting the production, import, and use of single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic bags. |
Article 81 | Requires waste treatment facilities to apply advanced and environmentally friendly technologies. |
Decree No. 59/2007 on Solid Waste Management (Expired) regulates the management, rights, obligations, and activities related to solid waste. Article 4 defines the four basic principles for solid waste management: first, entities that dispose of solid waste should pay the collection, transportation, and disposal fees; second, waste should be separated at source; third, technologies to process hard-to-decompose solid waste must be prioritized; and fourth, socialization of a proper waste management must be promoted by the state. The rest of the decree regulates solid waste planning and investment (Chapter II); solid waste separation (Chapter III); solid waste collection, storage, and transportation (Chapter IV); solid waste disposal (Chapter V); expenses of solid waste management (Chapter VI); and inspection, monitoring, and violations (Chapter VII).
Decree No. 38/2015 on the Management of Wastes and Scraps (Expired, Replaced by Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP (Section 3, Chapter VI)) mandates that all recyclable waste shall be recycled and reused (Article 50). Importers of plastic scrap must pay a deposit, the amount of which depends on the volume of the scrap: 15% of total cost for scrap under 100 tons, up to 20% for scrap over 500 tons.
Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP on elaboration of several Articles of the Law on Environmental Protection provides detailed regulations on waste management in Vietnam, focusing on classification, collection, recycling responsibility, and restriction of single-use plastics. The Decree sets a roadmap to reduce and restrict the production, import, and use of single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic bags (Article 64). Section 3, Chapter VI of this Decree regulates the responsibilities of manufacturers and importers in implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) with the aim of ensuring transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in product and packaging waste management. These responsibilities include publicly disclosing information, submitting periodic reports on recycling and waste treatment results to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Decree No. 05/2025/NĐ-CP on Amending and Supplementing Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP to enhance the implementation of the Environmental Protection Law 2020 provides updates that focus on decentralizing environmental impact assessment (EIA) responsibilities, streamlining administrative procedures, and strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. The decree refines mandatory recycling rates for each type of product and packaging, with specific recycling methods and a review every three years. Financial contributions to the Environmental Protection Fund are simplified, requiring producers and importers to make a single annual payment by April 20 if they choose not to recycle directly. The decree also removes previous procedures for requesting financial support from the fund, with new guidelines to be issued later.
Decision No. 1216/2012/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister approves the National Environmental Protection Strategy to 2020 with a Vision to 2030, setting out strategic orientations for environmental protection in Vietnam including pollution control and environmental quality improvement. Solid waste management is identified as a strategic priority, with objectives focusing on minimizing waste generation, enhancing waste classification at source, promoting recycling and energy recovery, and developing modern waste treatment infrastructure.
Decision No. 166/2014/QĐ-TTg serves as an action plan to implement the National Environmental Protection Strategy, in which solid waste management plays a crucial role. The Decision sets out specific tasks for developing integrated solid waste management systems, promoting waste classification at source, enhancing infrastructure investment, and improving the legal and policy framework for waste management in Vietnam, aiming toward sustainable development and environmental protection.
Decision No. 31/2014 on Support Mechanism for the Development of Power Generation Projects using Solid Waste(s) in Viet Nam establishes an important legal basis for promoting waste-to-energy projects in Vietnam. It states that the master plan to develop power plants using solid waste must refer to the solid waste potentials in each relevant period. The master plan also must be relevant to the social and economic condition of the country, regional master plan, and solid waste management master plan (under approval of relevant stakeholders) (Article 3). Investment in the project must conform with legal provisions on construction, fire prevention, and environmental protection (Article 6).
Decision No. 491/2018/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister on Approved National Strategy for Integrated Solid Waste Management to 2025, with a vision to 2050 aims to strengthen solid waste management nationwide, protect the environment, and contribute to sustainable development and a circular economy. It sets out specific targets and solutions for both urban and rural areas. By 2025, the Strategy targets that 100% of urban domestic solid waste will be collected and treated in compliance with environmental standards; and 70% of waste collection rate in rural areas. By 2050, the Strategy aims to build a circular economy model in waste management, minimize waste generation, maximize resource recovery from waste, promote recycling and reuse, and eliminate unsanitary landfilling practices.
Decision No. 1746/2019/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister approved the National Action Plan for Marine Plastic Waste Management to 2030 affirms Vietnam’s commitment to reducing plastic waste pollution in marine environments by setting out five key tasks: (1) Strengthening communication, education, and awareness-raising campaigns to change behavior; (2) Promoting the collection, classification, treatment, and control of plastic waste at source,; (3) Enhancing international cooperation, scientific research, application, development, and transfer of advanced technologies; (4) Reviewing, studying, and developing policies, legal frameworks, and management mechanisms in line with international practices and national conditions; and (5) Strengthening inspection, monitoring, supervision, and enforcement to ensure compliance with regulations on marine plastic waste management.
Decision No. 1316/QD-TTg 2021 on Approved Scheme on Strengthening Plastic Waste Management in Vietnam, scheme focuses on improving regulations and policies on plastic waste management; assessing current plastic waste generation, collection, and treatment; promoting advanced technologies for recycling and plastic waste treatment; developing eco-friendly product alternatives; and raising public awareness. It also enhances international cooperation and mobilizes financial resources from state budgets, international funding, and private sector investment for implementation from 2021 to 2026.
Circular No. 121/2008 on Guiding Incentive Mechanism and Financial Supports for Investment in Solid Waste Management laid the foundation for financing solid waste management, although it has been updated by Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP and Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT (esp. Articles 75 and 77) as the current legal basis for financial mechanisms in waste management, especially under the EPR regime. The Decree introduces mandatory financial contributions by producers and importers to the Vietnam Environmental Protection Fund to support waste treatment and recycling activities. It restructures and expands funding streams beyond what Circular 121/2008 initially covered, applying these mechanisms to single-use plastics, packaging, and hard-to-recycle materials. Meanwhile, Articles 75 and 77 of Circular 02/2022/TT-BTNMT provide detailed provisions to operationalize the EPR financial contributions mentioned in Decree 08.
Circular No. 12/2011 on Hazardous Waste Management classifies hazardous waste, describes hazardous waste management, and examines environmental impact assessments of hazardous waste management facilities (Article 1). This circular is now expired and has been replaced by Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT (Chapter IV, Articles 53-62) and QCVN 76:2023/BTNMT dated May 30, 2024.
Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT on Guiding Specific Provisions of the Environmental Protection Law 2020, provides detailed guidance on solid waste and plastic waste management in accordance with the Environmental Protection Law 2020, focusing on classification, collection, transportation, and responsibilities of related stakeholders. The Circular promotes environmentally friendly waste treatment methods such as recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy. It encourages reducing single-use plastics, using biodegradable alternatives, and implements Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging waste, requiring producers and importers to recycle or contribute to waste management funds. Chapter IV of this Circular provides detailed regulations on hazardous waste management in Vietnam, including the requirement of classifying, minimizing, properly storing, and transferring hazardous waste only to licensed entities (Article 53-54). It also guides the transportation of hazardous waste (Article 55), treatment and disposal (Article 56), and emergency response plans for hazardous waste incidents (Article 57).
Circular No. 35/2024/TT-BTNMT, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam, on December 19, 2024, provides comprehensive technical procedures for the collection, transportation, and treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Vietnam. The Circular aims to standardize municipal solid waste management practices, enhance environmental protection, and ensure public health and safety.
Circular No. 07/2025/TT-BTNMT amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment details the implementation of several provisions of the Law on Environmental Protection. It strengthens regulations on waste classification at source, allowing local authorities to further classify residual waste based on local conditions. The Circular guides the development of service pricing for waste collection, transportation, and treatment, ensuring transparency and alignment with state financial regulations. For plastic waste, the Circular enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), setting specific recycling cost norms (Fs) for packaging and products, requiring producers and importers to prepare recycling plans or contribute financially to waste management funds. Packaging standards, color coding for waste bags, and clear labeling are also regulated to support effective waste segregation. Additionally, waste treatment facilities must prepare environmental management plans, and new waste treatment technologies are subject to trial operation monitoring before official approval.
Official Dispatch No. 9368/BTNMT-KSONMT dated November 2, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam, provides detailed technical guidelines on the classification of household solid waste at source. It requires households to separate waste into three main groups: (i) reusable and recyclable waste (paper, plastic, metal, glass, fabric, wood, rubber, electronic waste); (ii) food waste (leftovers and food processing waste); and (iii) other waste (hazardous waste, bulky waste, and non-recyclable waste). The guidelines specify proper handling methods such as emptying contents, compressing waste to reduce volume, and safely packaging sharp objects. Local authorities are responsible for developing and implementing plans, raising public awareness, and ensuring full application of waste classification at source nationwide by December 31, 2024. The objective is to promote recycling, resource recovery, waste reduction, and environmental protection in line with circular economy practices.
Below is the list of national regulations related to waste management and marine debris abatement in Vietnam, categorized based on the legal hierarchy and sorted in a chronological order.
Law No. 14/2010 on Environmental Protection Tax includes plastic bags as taxable objects (Article 3) and subject to an environmental tax of VND30,000–50,000/kg (Article 5).
The Construction Law No. 50/2014 prescribes solid waste collection and treatment facilities as technical infrastructure (Article 3, number 22). Under this law, the Ministry of Construction is authorized to create technical regulation guidelines for specialized construction works (Article 6, number 6).
Law No. 82/2015/QH13 on Marine and Island Resources and Environment is the key legal foundation for the management and protection of marine and island resources in Vietnam. It emphasizes the close linkage between solid waste management and marine environmental protection and strict control of waste disposal into the sea and island areas, particularly hazardous waste, to minimize pollution and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.
Law No. 62/2020/QH14 on Amending and Supplementing the Construction Law No.50/2014, emphasizes environmental protection requirements in construction activities, including the classification, collection, transportation, and treatment of construction and demolition waste (CDW). Notably, the Law contributes to integrating sustainable resource use and circular economy principles into the construction sector.
Law No. 72/2020/QH14 on Environmental Protection was enacted to replace the 2014 Law on Environmental Protection, strengthening the legal framework for waste management towards a circular economy and sustainable development. The Law emphasizes the principles of minimizing waste generation, promoting reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and safe disposal. Notable articles include:
Articles | Provision |
Article 11 | Mandates the thorough examination of waste disposal into the marine environment to meet the standard of environmental protection with an obligation for all stakeholders to protect the marine environment. |
Articles 54-60 | Require producers and importers of products and packaging, including plastic packaging, to implement recycling obligations or contribute financially to waste management under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism. |
Articles 74, 78, 79 |
|
Article 75 | Mandates the segregation of domestic solid waste at source into recyclable waste, food waste, and other waste, and improperly classified waste may be refused collection. |
Articles 76, 77 | Specify the responsibilities of organizations, individuals, and local authorities in waste collection, transportation, and treatment and provides a roadmap for restricting the production, import, and use of single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic bags. |
Article 81 | Requires waste treatment facilities to apply advanced and environmentally friendly technologies. |
Decree No. 59/2007 on Solid Waste Management (Expired) regulates the management, rights, obligations, and activities related to solid waste. Article 4 defines the four basic principles for solid waste management: first, entities that dispose of solid waste should pay the collection, transportation, and disposal fees; second, waste should be separated at source; third, technologies to process hard-to-decompose solid waste must be prioritized; and fourth, socialization of a proper waste management must be promoted by the state. The rest of the decree regulates solid waste planning and investment (Chapter II); solid waste separation (Chapter III); solid waste collection, storage, and transportation (Chapter IV); solid waste disposal (Chapter V); expenses of solid waste management (Chapter VI); and inspection, monitoring, and violations (Chapter VII).
Decree No. 38/2015 on the Management of Wastes and Scraps (Expired, Replaced by Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP (Section 3, Chapter VI)) mandates that all recyclable waste shall be recycled and reused (Article 50). Importers of plastic scrap must pay a deposit, the amount of which depends on the volume of the scrap: 15% of total cost for scrap under 100 tons, up to 20% for scrap over 500 tons.
Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP on elaboration of several Articles of the Law on Environmental Protection provides detailed regulations on waste management in Vietnam, focusing on classification, collection, recycling responsibility, and restriction of single-use plastics. The Decree sets a roadmap to reduce and restrict the production, import, and use of single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic bags (Article 64). Section 3, Chapter VI of this Decree regulates the responsibilities of manufacturers and importers in implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) with the aim of ensuring transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in product and packaging waste management. These responsibilities include publicly disclosing information, submitting periodic reports on recycling and waste treatment results to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Decree No. 05/2025/NĐ-CP on Amending and Supplementing Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP to enhance the implementation of the Environmental Protection Law 2020 provides updates that focus on decentralizing environmental impact assessment (EIA) responsibilities, streamlining administrative procedures, and strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. The decree refines mandatory recycling rates for each type of product and packaging, with specific recycling methods and a review every three years. Financial contributions to the Environmental Protection Fund are simplified, requiring producers and importers to make a single annual payment by April 20 if they choose not to recycle directly. The decree also removes previous procedures for requesting financial support from the fund, with new guidelines to be issued later.
Decision No. 1216/2012/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister approves the National Environmental Protection Strategy to 2020 with a Vision to 2030, setting out strategic orientations for environmental protection in Vietnam including pollution control and environmental quality improvement. Solid waste management is identified as a strategic priority, with objectives focusing on minimizing waste generation, enhancing waste classification at source, promoting recycling and energy recovery, and developing modern waste treatment infrastructure.
Decision No. 166/2014/QĐ-TTg serves as an action plan to implement the National Environmental Protection Strategy, in which solid waste management plays a crucial role. The Decision sets out specific tasks for developing integrated solid waste management systems, promoting waste classification at source, enhancing infrastructure investment, and improving the legal and policy framework for waste management in Vietnam, aiming toward sustainable development and environmental protection.
Decision No. 31/2014 on Support Mechanism for the Development of Power Generation Projects using Solid Waste(s) in Viet Nam establishes an important legal basis for promoting waste-to-energy projects in Vietnam. It states that the master plan to develop power plants using solid waste must refer to the solid waste potentials in each relevant period. The master plan also must be relevant to the social and economic condition of the country, regional master plan, and solid waste management master plan (under approval of relevant stakeholders) (Article 3). Investment in the project must conform with legal provisions on construction, fire prevention, and environmental protection (Article 6).
Decision No. 491/2018/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister on Approved National Strategy for Integrated Solid Waste Management to 2025, with a vision to 2050 aims to strengthen solid waste management nationwide, protect the environment, and contribute to sustainable development and a circular economy. It sets out specific targets and solutions for both urban and rural areas. By 2025, the Strategy targets that 100% of urban domestic solid waste will be collected and treated in compliance with environmental standards; and 70% of waste collection rate in rural areas. By 2050, the Strategy aims to build a circular economy model in waste management, minimize waste generation, maximize resource recovery from waste, promote recycling and reuse, and eliminate unsanitary landfilling practices.
Decision No. 1746/2019/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister approved the National Action Plan for Marine Plastic Waste Management to 2030 affirms Vietnam’s commitment to reducing plastic waste pollution in marine environments by setting out five key tasks: (1) Strengthening communication, education, and awareness-raising campaigns to change behavior; (2) Promoting the collection, classification, treatment, and control of plastic waste at source,; (3) Enhancing international cooperation, scientific research, application, development, and transfer of advanced technologies; (4) Reviewing, studying, and developing policies, legal frameworks, and management mechanisms in line with international practices and national conditions; and (5) Strengthening inspection, monitoring, supervision, and enforcement to ensure compliance with regulations on marine plastic waste management.
Decision No. 1316/QD-TTg 2021 on Approved Scheme on Strengthening Plastic Waste Management in Vietnam, scheme focuses on improving regulations and policies on plastic waste management; assessing current plastic waste generation, collection, and treatment; promoting advanced technologies for recycling and plastic waste treatment; developing eco-friendly product alternatives; and raising public awareness. It also enhances international cooperation and mobilizes financial resources from state budgets, international funding, and private sector investment for implementation from 2021 to 2026.
Circular No. 121/2008 on Guiding Incentive Mechanism and Financial Supports for Investment in Solid Waste Management laid the foundation for financing solid waste management, although it has been updated by Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP and Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT (esp. Articles 75 and 77) as the current legal basis for financial mechanisms in waste management, especially under the EPR regime. The Decree introduces mandatory financial contributions by producers and importers to the Vietnam Environmental Protection Fund to support waste treatment and recycling activities. It restructures and expands funding streams beyond what Circular 121/2008 initially covered, applying these mechanisms to single-use plastics, packaging, and hard-to-recycle materials. Meanwhile, Articles 75 and 77 of Circular 02/2022/TT-BTNMT provide detailed provisions to operationalize the EPR financial contributions mentioned in Decree 08.
Circular No. 12/2011 on Hazardous Waste Management classifies hazardous waste, describes hazardous waste management, and examines environmental impact assessments of hazardous waste management facilities (Article 1). This circular is now expired and has been replaced by Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT (Chapter IV, Articles 53-62) and QCVN 76:2023/BTNMT dated May 30, 2024.
Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT on Guiding Specific Provisions of the Environmental Protection Law 2020, provides detailed guidance on solid waste and plastic waste management in accordance with the Environmental Protection Law 2020, focusing on classification, collection, transportation, and responsibilities of related stakeholders. The Circular promotes environmentally friendly waste treatment methods such as recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy. It encourages reducing single-use plastics, using biodegradable alternatives, and implements Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging waste, requiring producers and importers to recycle or contribute to waste management funds. Chapter IV of this Circular provides detailed regulations on hazardous waste management in Vietnam, including the requirement of classifying, minimizing, properly storing, and transferring hazardous waste only to licensed entities (Article 53-54). It also guides the transportation of hazardous waste (Article 55), treatment and disposal (Article 56), and emergency response plans for hazardous waste incidents (Article 57).
Circular No. 35/2024/TT-BTNMT, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam, on December 19, 2024, provides comprehensive technical procedures for the collection, transportation, and treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Vietnam. The Circular aims to standardize municipal solid waste management practices, enhance environmental protection, and ensure public health and safety.
Circular No. 07/2025/TT-BTNMT amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment details the implementation of several provisions of the Law on Environmental Protection. It strengthens regulations on waste classification at source, allowing local authorities to further classify residual waste based on local conditions. The Circular guides the development of service pricing for waste collection, transportation, and treatment, ensuring transparency and alignment with state financial regulations. For plastic waste, the Circular enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), setting specific recycling cost norms (Fs) for packaging and products, requiring producers and importers to prepare recycling plans or contribute financially to waste management funds. Packaging standards, color coding for waste bags, and clear labeling are also regulated to support effective waste segregation. Additionally, waste treatment facilities must prepare environmental management plans, and new waste treatment technologies are subject to trial operation monitoring before official approval.
Official Dispatch No. 9368/BTNMT-KSONMT dated November 2, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam, provides detailed technical guidelines on the classification of household solid waste at source. It requires households to separate waste into three main groups: (i) reusable and recyclable waste (paper, plastic, metal, glass, fabric, wood, rubber, electronic waste); (ii) food waste (leftovers and food processing waste); and (iii) other waste (hazardous waste, bulky waste, and non-recyclable waste). The guidelines specify proper handling methods such as emptying contents, compressing waste to reduce volume, and safely packaging sharp objects. Local authorities are responsible for developing and implementing plans, raising public awareness, and ensuring full application of waste classification at source nationwide by December 31, 2024. The objective is to promote recycling, resource recovery, waste reduction, and environmental protection in line with circular economy practices.
