Vietnamese law on collection, recycling, reuse and disposal of controlled substances.

Environmental laws in Vietnam provide detailed regulations on the collection, recycling, reuse, and disposal of controlled substances to protect the environment and public health. These provisions are primarily outlined in the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 and related legal documents. Below are the key points:

1. Collection

• General Principles: Waste categorized as controlled substances (e.g., hazardous waste, medical waste, electronic waste) must be collected separately and not mixed with regular household waste.
• Collection Responsibilities:
  • Waste generators (organizations or individuals producing waste) are responsible for sorting and storing waste according to regulations before handing it over to licensed collection units.
  • Collection units must meet standards for vehicles, equipment, and comply with safety procedures during collection.

2. Recycling

• Priority for Recycling: The law encourages recycling controlled substances where safe and effective, aiming to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
• Producer Responsibility:
  • Under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model, manufacturers and importers of products like batteries, electronics, plastics, etc., are responsible for collecting and recycling their products after use.
  • Producers can directly recycle or contribute financially to the Environmental Protection Fund to support recycling efforts.

3. Reuse

• Reuse of waste is encouraged if it is feasible and does not pose risks to human health or the environment.
• Reuse activities must comply with technical standards and environmental regulations issued by the authorities.

4. Disposal

• Mandatory Disposal: Waste that cannot be recycled or reused must be treated using safe methods such as landfilling, incineration, or physico-chemical processes.
• Requirements for Disposal Facilities:
  • Facilities must have hazardous waste treatment licenses or permits for handling controlled substances, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
  • Treatment processes must ensure no release of harmful substances into the environment (air, water, soil).
• Technology for Disposal: Modern, energy-efficient, and low-emission technologies are prioritized.

5. Special Controls

• For substances under strict control (e.g., Persistent Organic Pollutants – POPs, hazardous chemicals), compliance with the Stockholm Convention and international treaties ratified by Vietnam is mandatory.
• These substances must be treated in specialized facilities meeting high environmental and safety standards.

6. Legal Accountability

Violations of regulations on the collection, recycling, reuse, or disposal of controlled substances may result in administrative penalties or criminal charges, depending on the severity of the violation.