An Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management Scheme for Carbon Footprint Reduction: Leveraging the Informal Sector in Hanoi

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management in developing countries largely relies on open dumping and minimal sanitary landfilling, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The waste management sector is a global concern due to its impact on climate change, with inefficient collection systems and improper disposal exacerbating emissions. Despite its associated social and health issues, informal recycling plays a crucial role in reducing emissions. This study integrates findings from the JEAI Recycurbs Viet project with the Asia Low Carbon Society Research (LCSR) Study, utilizing the ExSS/Waste model to quantify GHG emissions in Hanoi under two scenarios: one without informal recycling (NIR_S) and the other one with informal recycling (IR_S). Results indicate that informal recycling reduces emissions by 3000 tons of CO2 equivalents annually. Strengthening policies to integrate informal recycling into formal waste management systems can enhance environmental, social, and economic benefits.