The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has issued and implemented the UEH Regulation Regarding Green Campus Practice (issued in 2023, updated in 2024), which clearly stipulates the responsibilities of all units across the UEH system for waste classification, measurement, recycling, and landfill waste reduction. In 2024, UEH continues to apply two waste sorting models (3-bin and 7-bin systems) across all Ho Chi Minh City campuses and the Vinh Long Branch, along with a mechanism for specific waste measurement and control. Notably, UEH has expanded its cooperation with collection and recycling partners, applying new technologies and a smart circular recycling model. Concurrently, the University promotes green consumption behavior through various integrated communication and educational campaigns, thereby raising awareness and contributing to the actual measurement of recycled waste volume, demonstrating a system-wide commitment.

1. Regarding the Policy

In 2022, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) issued and implemented several important regulations aimed at reducing landfill waste, controlling hazardous waste, and promoting recycling activities throughout the University:

“ Article 9. Responsibilities of UEH Management Units Related to Waste Collection, Classification, and Transportation (Facilities Department, Vinh Long Branch) in Chapter III: REGULATIONS FOR RELATED PARTIES in the UEH Regulation Regarding Green Campus Practice

 (https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations) 

1. Strictly implement waste source-separation according to the regulations in Article 3, Chapter II.

2. Proactively implement the Green University principles in Article 4 and Article 5, Chapter II.

3. Implement waste collection, classification, and transfer to sorting partners at the UEH Green Campus Station (UEH Go Green Station) and at the waste consolidation points of each campus, following the guidance of the UEH Green Campus Project Board, under the Sustainable University Scheme Board.

4. Hazardous waste must be collected and consolidated at the technical areas to be transferred to licensed treatment partners.

5. Replace cleaning materials and products with safe and eco-friendly organic products.

6. Conduct annual waste audits and report data.

Article 11. Responsibilities of Goods and Service Providers (Canteens, Supermarkets, etc.) at UEH in Chapter III: REGULATIONS FOR RELATED PARTIES in the UEH Regulation Regarding Green Campus Practice 

Have policies that encourage the use of reusable containers to replace the provision of single-use plastic containers.

Article 12. Responsibilities of Event and Festival Organizers in Chapter III: REGULATIONS FOR RELATED PARTIES in the UEH Regulation Regarding Green Campus Practice

Prioritize the use of recycled, environmentally friendly products instead of single-use plastic materials and polymers (banners, slogans, bottles, cups, straws, balloons, etc.).

Specifically, UEH’s waste classification model and recycling partner were implemented as follows:

Appendix 1. Principles of waste classification and waste treatment methods at UEH facilities in the city. Ho Chi Minh and UEH – Vinh Long Branch

No Type of waste Describe Classification method Processing method
Model 7
1 Liquid Non-residue organic liquids such as coffee, soft drinks, juice, soy sauce, etc. The liquid needs to be filtered of residue and residue before being put into the tank. Waste water treatment
2 Leftover food Unprocessed or processed foods, organic liquids with residue, yard waste. Pour out all the water and liquid in leftover food before putting it in the bin. Landfill
3 Metal Food cans, metal beverage cans, screws and other metal scraps. Pour out all the steps, remaining liquid and press the can/box before putting it in the bin;

Nails and screws are wrapped in paper bags before being put into boxes.

 Send to collection partner for recycling
4 Recycled plastic Bottles, jars, plastic containers, plastic straws, plastic spoons, other plastic waste products. Pour out all remaining water and liquid and flatten the empty plastic bottle/cup before placing it in the bin. Send to collection partner for recycling
5 Paper Notebook paper, printing paper, newspapers, books, cardboard, paper bags, paper cups, and other paper waste. Keep it dry and fold it neatly before putting it in the box. Send to collection partner for recycling
6 Milk carton Paper milk carton (no straw included). Empty the remaining milk from the carton and flatten it before putting it in the carton. Send to collection partner for recycling
7 Remaining waste Waste that does not belong to the above groups (except waste that is electronic equipment and batteries brought to the Technical Department at each facility). Keep dry; Pour off water and liquid before putting it in the bin. Landfill

Model 3
1 Organic waste group Unprocessed or unprocessed foods, organic liquids with residue, yard waste.   Landfill
2 Recyclable waste group Waste such as metal, paper, plastic, milk cartons. Keep dry; Empty remaining water and liquids from jars, cups, bottles, and boxes; Flatten if possible before placing in the bin. Send to collection partner for recycling
3 The remaining group of waste Waste that does not belong to the above groups (except waste that is electronic equipment and batteries brought to the Technical Department at each facility). Keep dry; Pour off water and liquid before putting it in the bin. Landfill

Note: Hazardous waste such as batteries and electronic devices must be consolidated at the technical rooms of the campuses to be transferred to hazardous waste treatment partners.

By 2024, UEH further refined the regulations by adding to Article 9: Responsibilities of UEH Management Units related to Waste Collection, Classification, and Transportation (Infrastructure Management Board, UEH Mekong) in Chapter III: REGULATIONS FOR RELATED PARTIES in the UEH Regulation Regarding Green Campus Practice

“7. Prioritize cooperation with partners who have clear and transparent hazardous waste treatment procedures, comply with legal regulations, and maximize landfill waste reduction, aiming for recycling, reuse, or safe, environmentally friendly treatment solutions.”

See detailed updated Regulation at Link

Specifically, from 2024 onwards, UEH has proactively connected with partners capable of processing and recycling all types of post-classification waste as follows:

Appendix 1. Principles of waste classification and waste treatment methods at UEH facilities in the city. Ho Chi Minh and UEH – Vinh Long Branch

No Type of waste Describe Classification method Processing method
Model 7
1 Liquid Non-residue organic liquids such as coffee, soft drinks, juice, soy sauce, etc. The liquid needs to be filtered of residue and residue before being put into the tank. Waste water treatment
2 Leftover food Unprocessed or processed foods, organic liquids with residue, yard waste. Pour out all the water and liquid in leftover food before putting it in the bin. Food at livestock farms
3 Metal Food cans, metal beverage cans, screws and other metal scraps. Pour out all the steps, remaining liquid and press the can/box before putting it in the bin;

Nails and screws are wrapped in paper bags before being put into boxes.

 Send to collection partner for recycling
4 Recycled plastic Bottles, jars, plastic containers, plastic straws, plastic spoons, other plastic waste products. Pour out all remaining water and liquid and flatten the empty plastic bottle/cup before placing it in the bin. Send to collection partner for recycling
5 Paper Notebook paper, printing paper, newspapers, books, cardboard, paper bags, paper cups, and other paper waste. Keep it dry and fold it neatly before putting it in the box. Send to collection partner for recycling
6 Milk carton Paper milk carton (no straw included). Empty the remaining milk from the carton and flatten it before putting it in the carton. Send to collection partner for recycling
7 Remaining waste Waste that does not belong to the above groups (except waste that is electronic equipment and batteries brought to the Technical Department at each facility). Keep dry; Pour off water and liquid before putting it in the bin. Co-processing in cement kilns

Model 3
1 Organic waste group Unprocessed or unprocessed foods, organic liquids with residue, yard waste.   Food at livestock farms
2 Recyclable waste group Waste such as metal, paper, plastic, milk cartons. Keep dry; Empty remaining water and liquids from jars, cups, bottles, and boxes; Flatten if possible before placing in the bin. Send to collection partner for recycling
3 The remaining group of waste Waste that does not belong to the above groups (except waste that is electronic equipment and batteries brought to the Technical Department at each facility). Keep dry; Pour off water and liquid before putting it in the bin. Co-processing in cement kilns

Note: Hazardous waste, such as batteries and electronic devices, must be consolidated at the technical rooms of the campuses to be transferred to hazardous waste treatment partners.

2. Implementation

CURRENT WASTE CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT PROCESS AT UEH

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The University implements a recyclable waste circular system across its campus, ensuring that recyclable waste is effectively sorted at the source (source-separation); after sorting, the waste is collected by partners and transported to recycling facilities; some recycled products are returned to the University for exhibition and media purposes.

Adhering to the new regulation enacted in 2024 on measuring and reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling, UEH has progressively optimized its waste management system and expanded collaboration with specialized partners in the environmental sector.

Previously, in 2023, after source-separation, UEH transferred all waste to third-party collectors, including “Ve chai chu Hoa” and other informal scrap collectors. However, these units only accepted readily recyclable types such as paper, plastic, and metal, while hazardous waste like batteries, broken electronic equipment, or heavy metal-containing materials still had to be sent for landfilling, posing significant environmental risks.

UEH collaborates with “Ve chai Chu Hoa” (Scrap Collector Chu Hoa) for the collection and processing of recyclable waste. Launch of “UEH Green Campus – i Ve Chai Machine” (Ai Ve Chai Hong?) – The Automated Recyclable Collection Machine at UEH Green Campus

Moving into 2024, following the enactment of the new regulation, UEH proactively sought out and signed a cooperation agreement with A Chau Environmental Company, a unit legally licensed to operate hazardous waste treatment. This partner assumes responsibility for collecting, classifying, and processing all waste from UEH, including hazardous waste, using a closed-loop, transparent, and environmentally safe procedure that meets safety standards. Crucially, with this partnership, hazardous waste such as used batteries, broken electronic equipment, and heavy metal-containing materials are all treated according to proper protocols instead of being landfilled.

At the treatment facility, A Chau Environmental Company re-sorts the waste by material group to select the most appropriate treatment method. Used batteries are manually dismantled to separate the casing, anode, cathode, and electrolyte solution. Broken electronic components are disassembled to recover valuable metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc, while non-recyclable materials are treated using chemical neutralization technology to eliminate toxicity. The remaining parts are safely disposed of in a specialized treatment area that meets national environmental standards. The entire process is monitored by an ISO-certified environmental management system, ensuring no release of toxic fumes, heavy metals, or solvents into the soil, water, or air environments.

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Model of the collection – transportation – treatment process for used batteries by A Chau Environmental Company

Additionally, A Chau Environmental Company implements a strict input-output control mechanism, fully recording the volume of waste received, the proportion of recycled materials (recycling rate), and the final disposal method. This data is compiled and periodically reported to UEH, enabling the University to monitor and track statistics, and integrate the results into the annual Green Campus report. Thus, UEH now works with at least two major recycling partners, helping ensure that all types of waste—from general to hazardous waste—are effectively recycled or reused. Each partner has a system for measuring, weighing, and providing periodic statistics on waste volume, helping UEH accurately control the volume of waste generated and the recycling rate, thereby contributing to emission reduction goals and moving towards a circular, sustainable waste management system.

In addition to collaborating with external partners in waste collection and treatment, UEH also proactively implements numerous internal activities to encourage students and staff to participate in recycling, classification, and plastic waste reduction. The University has invested in 3-bin and 7-bin sorting systems across all learning areas, offices, and common spaces, making it easier for users to separate recyclable, organic, and non-recyclable waste right at the source (source-separation).

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Students reading instruction for correct waste classification

Through continuous practice and periodic monitoring, UEH has diligently recorded, measured, and analyzed the volume of waste generated across the entire system. This effort serves as a basis for improving operational procedures and minimizing environmental impact. The waste volume statistics recorded in 2024 are as follows:

No Year 2023 2024
Type of waste (kg) Description Produced Treated % Treated Produced Treated % Treated
1 Organic waste Biodegradable waste generated from food, plants, and other natural materials that can decompose naturally. 74.262 27.649 37,23% 76.921 66.552 86,52%
Food Waste Cooked food, rice, vegetables, meat scraps 25.404 8.790 34,60% 26.138 22.825 87,32%
Green Waste Grass clippings, fallen leaves, branches. 48.858 18.859 38,60% 50.783 43.727 86,11%
2 Recyclable/Inorganic waste Non-biodegradable materials that can be recycled into new products. 54.139 9.535 17,61% 56.710 51.771 91,29%
Plastic Plastic bottles, cups, straws, plastic bags. 19.751 2.669 13,51% 10.509 10.303 98,04%
Metal Aluminum cans, iron scraps, paper clips. 10.647 303,86 2,85% 12.969 11.587 89,35%
Paper Printing paper, cardboard boxes, notebooks. 22.764 6353,80 27,91% 31.986 28.875 90,27%
Milk carton Milk and juice boxes. 597,86 102,62 17,16% 748,98 648,46 86,58%
Glass Glass bottles, jars, broken glassware. 378,96 105,82 27,92% 496,56 356,75 71,84%
3 Toxic waste Batteries, fluorescent lamps, electronic waste, lab chemicals. 76.500 34.898 45,62% 77.000 68.402 88,83%
4 Landfill waste Residual waste that cannot be reused, recycled, or composted. 132.819 23.906
Organic landfill waste Food waste mixed with plastic or Styrofoam boxes, Used tissues and paper towels contaminated with oil, Spoiled food mixed with inorganic waste 46.613 10.369
Inorganic landfill waste Plastic packaging with food residues, Styrofoam containers, Dirty paper cups and straws, Composite materials (multi-layer packaging) 44.604 4.939
Toxic landfill waste Contaminated lab gloves or masks, Broken fluorescent tubes after neutralization, Solid residues from hazardous waste treatment 41.602 8.598
5 Total

(Organic waste + Inorganic waste + Toxic waste)

 204.901 72.082 35,18% 210.631 186.725 88,65%

Following the statistics, the total waste volume generated at UEH in 2024 reached 210,631 kg, an increase compared to 2023 (204,901 kg). The main reason is attributed to the University’s expansion of physical infrastructure and the increase in student enrollment quotas. In 2024, UEH enrolled 7,900 students, an increase of 100 compared to the previous year, primarily driven by two new training programs. On average, each student generated approximately 36.5 kg of waste annually.

However, despite the increase in total waste volume, the amount of landfill waste decreased compared to 2023, dropping from 78,392 kg to 77,701 kg. This clearly indicates the effectiveness of UEH’s waste management policies and activities in achieving landfill reduction targets.

3. Communication and Education

In parallel with operations, in 2024, UEH significantly boosted communication and environmental education through propaganda campaigns, articles, posters guiding waste classification, and programs encouraging students to take green action such as “Rác không bẩn” (Waste is not dirty) and the “Introducing the UEH Green Campus Game Program.” These activities not only help raise the awareness of the UEHers community regarding responsible consumption but also facilitate the specific measurement of the volume of waste classified and recycled by students themselves, contributing to the formation of a circular and sustainable green university model.

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The “Rác không bẩn” (Waste is not dirty) Campaign – A program about waste recycling organized by a group of Marketing major students from UEH University

https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/living-lab/a-practical-project-in-public-relations-marketing-integrating-the-story-and-spirit-of-green-campus-into-the-curriculum 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17gf2EMywU/ 

UEH’s policies and activities have directly contributed to: SDG 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse, and SDG 12.6: Encourage companies and institutions to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

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Open related links:

1. 2023, Regulations Regarding Green Campus Practice, https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations 

2. November 1, 2024, Launch of “UEH Green Campus – i Ve Chai Machine” (Ai Ve Chai Hong?) – The Automated Recyclable Collection Machine at UEH Green Campus, https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/events/launch-of-ueh-green-campus-i-ve-chai-machine-ai-ve-chai-hong-the-automated-recyclable-collection-machine-at-ueh-green-campus

3. March 25, 2024, A practical project in Public Relations, Marketing: Integrating the story and spirit of Green Campus into the curriculum, https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/living-lab/a-practical-project-in-public-relations-marketing-integrating-the-story-and-spirit-of-green-campus-into-the-curriculum

4. March 25, 2024, TINH THẦN GREEN CAMPUS ĐI VÀO DỰ ÁN VỀ TÁI CHẾ RÁC TRONG MÔN HỌC QUAN HỆ CÔNG CHÚNG, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17gf2EMywU/