Hanoi (VNA) – Starting in 2026, Hanoi will implement a sweeping ban on single-use plastics, reflecting the capital’s growing commitment to tackling plastic waste and advancing toward sustainable urban development.
Under a resolution recently adopted by the Hanoi People’s Council, commonly used plastic items in tourism and hospitality—such as disposable toothbrushes, razors, cotton swabs, shower caps, and miniature toiletries—will be progressively eliminated starting January 1, 2026.
From 2027 onwards, the free distribution of plastic bags in markets and shops will be banned.
By 2028, the city aims to completely prohibit the circulation and use of most single-use plastic products, including non-biodegradable bags and polystyrene containers.
This decisive roadmap comes amid growing concern over the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, particularly the increasing use of single-use plastics in daily life.
According to a 2022 World Bank report, Vietnam discards around 1.8 to 2 million tons of plastic waste per year, or about 20 kilograms per person.
While this places the country around the global average, experts warn of a worrying trend: rising single-use plastic consumption, especially among street vendors, in traditional markets, and among younger consumers.
Hanoi’s Roadmap
Hanoi’s plastic reduction plan will be implemented in three phases.
- Starting January 1, 2026, single-use plastics will no longer be permitted in hotels and tourist destinations.
- From January 1, 2027, markets and convenience stores will stop offering free non-biodegradable plastic bags, while e-commerce businesses will be required to reduce plastic packaging and manage the collection of used materials.
- From January 1, 2028, single-use plastics will be fully banned in commercial spaces, with limited exceptions for essential packaging. At the same time, companies using plastic materials like polyethylene or polypropylene in their packaging will be required to ensure at least 20% of that plastic is recycled.
The plan has been welcomed by environmental experts for its realistic timeline.
Dr. Ngô Thi Thuy Huong of Phenikaa University said the proposed timeline gives businesses time to transition and the public time to adapt gradually.
She emphasized that alternative materials must meet five criteria: safety, biodegradability (within 6 to 12 months), acceptable cost increases (30% to 50%), comparable functionality, and a stable supply of raw materials.
While regulation is important, experts agree that real change depends on public awareness and behavioral shifts.
“Changing behaviors on a large scale requires sustained education, from kindergarten to university,” she said. “If we invest heavily over the next three to four years, the city can meet these goals.”
Bui Tri Nha, founder of DiDi Travel, believes that enforcement must be accompanied by motivation.
“People need to understand the why, not just the rules,” he said.
Raising public awareness about the dangers of plastic—especially microplastics—will motivate people to change their behavior voluntarily rather than through coercion.
Recent research has shown that microplastics carry toxins that accumulate in the food chain, posing long-term health risks. Each disposable plastic bag or cup can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution and harming biodiversity.
Plastic is cheap and convenient, but its environmental, economic, and human costs are significant.
Phasing out single-use plastics is not only a political decision but also a collective responsibility. From hotel guests and tourists to street vendors and online sellers, every stakeholder has a role to play.
Success will depend not only on government enforcement but also on citizens’ willingness to embrace a cleaner, greener future. – VNA
Source: vietnamplus
