Independent waste workers play a central yet often underrecognized role in Viet Nam’s solid waste management system, particularly in the collection, sorting, and recovery of recyclable materials. As the country advances major policy reforms under the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, including waste segregation at source and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the position of these workers within the waste value chain is undergoing significant change.

This study examines the current participation of independent waste workers in solid waste management in Viet Nam, focusing on their working conditions, legal status, livelihoods, and contribution to recycling outcomes. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Quy Nhon, as well as an extensive review of policy and research literature, the report provides an evidence-based assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating independent waste workers into a more formal, transparent, and inclusive waste management system.

By analysing how existing and emerging policy frameworks affect different groups of independent waste workers, the study identifies practical entry points for integration that can enhance recycling efficiency while improving social protection and working conditions. The findings aim to inform policymakers, producers, local authorities, and development partners as Viet Nam transitions toward a circular economy that recognises the contributions of all actors across the waste value chain.