After 2 years of applying the circular economic model, plastic waste in Con Dao has decreased by about 40%.

On November 6, a representative of the People's Committee of Con Dao Special Economic Zone said that after 2 years of implementing the circular economy project in Con Dao, positive results have been achieved, with the amount of plastic waste reduced by about 40%, waste from households also reduced by about 9%; waste from hotels and motels reduced by up to 18%.

According to the People's Committee of Con Dao Special Zone, by the end of October 2025, 95% of traders in the A4 night market and more than 70% of traders in Con Dao market did not use plastic bags or disposable plastic products and replaced them with environmentally friendly products. In addition, 100% of tourism and travel establishments have joined the locality in practicing plastic reduction and waste classification at source.

It is known that the project "Research and application of circular economic model to serve sustainable socio-economic development of Con Dao in the period of 2022-2025, with a vision to 2030" was approved in March 2023 and officially implemented from the end of October 2023. The project has been creating positive changes in management thinking and the way of exploiting local resources.

Residents of Con Dao Special Zone classify waste at source, one of the activities included in the local circular economy project. Photo: QUANG VU

The overall objective of the project is to address the existing environmental and energy challenges that Con Dao is facing, based on the circular economy. Thereby, contributing to building the institutional foundation, infrastructure and social resources towards sustainable development. At the same time, the project also aims to improve the competitiveness of key economic sectors, promote high-quality tourism, attract diverse sources of visitors, thereby increasing revenue and leading to the development of supporting industries.

Specifically, Con Dao has been maintaining and expanding practical models such as: Green - Clean - Beautiful Saturday Movement; exchanging plastic waste for gifts; "Green House" collecting plastic waste; recycling used advertising tarpaulins (panels) into handbags; removing garbage spots to grow medicinal plants; processing organic waste into fertilizer in residential areas; protecting biodiversity; restoring coral; converting to green transportation...

A hotel in Con Dao has replaced its room amenities with environmentally friendly products. Photo: QUANG VU

In particular, the plastic-reducing tourism model has had the participation of 100% of accommodation establishments, travel agencies, and transportation services. The models of “Hang Duong Cemetery without plastic waste” and “Say no to burning votive offerings” at relics have also been effectively maintained.

QUANG VU

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/sau-2-nam-ap-dung-mo-hinh-kinh-te-tuan-hoan-rac-thai-nhua-o-con-dao-giam-khoang-40-post822063.html