PRO Vietnam Backs Social Benefits and Financial Supports for Private Waste Collection Force

The Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam) collaborates with the Environmental Development Action in the Third World (ENDA) to provide assistance in social benefits and financing for the private waste collection groups in Ho Chi Minh City.

This annual initiative signifies PRO Vietnam and ENDA Vietnam’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local private waste collection force. Through multiple giving rounds, the program aims to assist nearly 2,000 workers affiliated with environmental sanitation service cooperatives (Cooperatives) nationwide.

On April 16, as part of the gift-giving event, nearly 200 pieces of personal protective equipment, along with Accident Insurance and Health Insurance were given to private waste collectors in Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Furthermore, PRO Vietnam signed a MOU with ENDA and Nha Be Agricultural Service Cooperative, agreeing on regulations for implementing revolving fund for private waste collectors who also cooperative members. Under this agreement, PRO Vietnam has funded 200 million VND to kickstart the lending rotation program served to promptly address financial difficulties for private waste collectors, helping them improve living quality and working conditions.

Addressing the program, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Linh, Chief Representative of ENDA Vietnam, expressed, “The gifts presented today signify more than just physical and mental support for our fellow members in the private waste collection sector. They also reflect the appreciation that PRO Vietnam and ENDA Vietnam hold for your dedication, ensuring that no waste collector is overlooked or forgotten.”

Ms. Chu Kim Thanh – Operations Director of PRO Vietnam emphasized, “The private waste collection force play critical role in the EPR system and more broadly, to the transition toward a circular economy. However, they are not officially recognized by public authorities and have difficulty accessing social services. Their work is financially precarious, with poor pay and few benefits. They often suffer weak standard operating procedures and missing policies protecting their rights and health. Through this initiative, PRO Vietnam want to convey our deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of private waste collectors. Thank you all in keeping the city green, clean, and beautiful.”

PRO Vietnam representative also shared that with the successful implementation of the revolving fund, this model has the potential to be duplicated within cooperatives nationwide. It could also draw contributions from a wider array of organizations and businesses, thereby establishing a robust safety net for all private waste workers and integrating them into the formal waste management system.