Strategies for construction waste management in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Purpose - There is a lack of waste minimization in Vietnam. This study aims to investigate the barriers that are faced in implementing waste management and the extent to which waste management practices are adopted. It recommends improvements to management of waste in Vietnam, with a focus on Ho Chi Minh City. Design/methodology/approach - Using the questionnaire survey approach, data were collected from construction practitioners in Vietnam using the self-administrated postal survey. Findings were validated via in-depth interviews with three experts. Findings - There is a lack of awareness about construction and waste minimization in Vietnam. Effective waste management for Vietnam are: employ subcontractors with waste management ability; conduct training; audit and provide close supervision of subcontractors and workers; sequence activities to reduce damage to completed work; set level of wastage allowable; and enforce these through rewards and punishments. Research limitations/implications - As the survey was conducted on a small sample size of contractors in Ho Chi Minh City, the findings may not be representative of the whole of Vietnam. The data were based on respondents' perceptions rather than factual records. Practical implications - The effective strategies identified by this study could be used by construction industry practitioners in Vietnam to reduce waste generated, and thereby undertake construction in a more sustainable manner. Social implications - The benefits of better waste management include: improved environmental credentials; savings in disposal and transport costs; revenue from reuse and recycling; and reduced cost of materials. Originality/value - Vietnam is undergoing infrastructure development, and these construction projects have large impacts on the environment. This study identified areas in which waste management is found wanting, and suggested ways for Vietnam to improve.