The clean-up campaign, organised by Let’s Do It Vietnam, took place in Tu Liem Ward and focused on waste collection, waste sorting and raising awareness about reducing plastic waste at source.
According to the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment, the city's centralised waste treatment facilities currently receive more than 8,000 tonnes of household waste each day. However, a portion of waste generated is not collected or properly treated and is instead discarded on vacant land, in canals and drainage systems, increasing pressure on the urban environment.
Against this backdrop, World Cleanup Day 2026 brought together hundreds of volunteers to support efforts aimed at reducing litter and encouraging more sustainable waste management practices.
Speaking at the event, Siisi Saetalu, Estonia's chargé d'affaires ad interim in Vietnam, said World Cleanup Day was about more than simply collecting litter and encouraged people to take responsibility for protecting their living environment.
“It is wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone participating in today's programme,” Saetalu said.
Nguyen Thi Cam Tu, national coordinator of Let’s Do It Vietnam, said this year's campaign sought to promote changes in consumer behaviour, reduce the use of single-use plastics and encourage recycling and waste separation at source.
“Plastic waste is not only a threat to ecosystems but also a reflection of unsustainable consumption habits. This year's campaign goes beyond litter collection and seeks to change mindsets by preventing waste at its source and viewing waste as a resource that should be returned to the circular economy,” she said.
In addition to young volunteers, the event attracted employees and workers from businesses committed to sustainable development initiatives.
Organisers said a total of 1.7 tonnes of waste was collected during the programme, most of it consisting of household plastic waste, single-use packaging and cigarette butts.
Beyond Hanoi, World Cleanup Day 2026 activities were held in several other localities, including Haiphong, Danang, Quang Ngai Province, Quang Tri Province, Binh Thuan Province, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho.
Organisers estimated that more than 10,000 volunteers across 22 provinces and cities took part in related activities, joining efforts to promote a cleaner and greener Vietnam.