Thousands of tonnes of rubbish are left uncollected across Thanh Hoa City on May 12
Since May 10, sanitation workers from Thanh Hoa Urban Environment and Public Works JSC, responsible for collecting waste in Thanh Hoa City and parts of Quang Xuong District, have stopped working. As a result, household rubbish has piled up in front of homes, fuelling frustration among residents.
On streets including Doi Cung, Quang Trung, and Mai An Tiem, overloaded rubbish carts have been left idle while loose waste has been dumped along the roadside. Leaking wastewater and rotting refuse have created an overpowering stench.
According to resident Pham Van Quang, the disruption began when residents of Dong Nam Commune set up tents at the entrance to the Dong Nam landfill to block rubbish trucks.
“Dong Nam landfill has been operating for years without major issues. But about five months ago, a waste treatment plant was built at the site, and since then, the smell has become unbearable,” Quang said. “We just want the plant to control the odour so it doesn’t affect the lives of nearby people.”
Residents of Dong Nam Commune set up tents at the entrance to the Dong Nam landfill to block rubbish trucks.
Residents lodged complaints with the Thanh Hoa City People’s Committee earlier this year. A task force was sent on January 17 to inspect the site alongside company officials, but Quang said no effective action had been taken to tackle the foul odour.
A sanitation company representative said they were working with local authorities and seeking support from a waste treatment plant in Nghi Son Town to temporarily handle the city’s mounting waste.
Dong Nam is the largest landfill in Thanh Hoa Province, covering around 30 hectares and containing seven waste burial cells. Initially designed to handle 240 to 250 tonnes of rubbish per day, the site is now overwhelmed, receiving more than 450 tonnes daily.
In response to the growing crisis, the Thanh Hoa City government has ordered immediate action to curb the pollution. Ecotech, the company operating the Dong Nam waste treatment plant, has been told to increase the use of bio-deodorisers, fully cover compost piles, and limit waste-turning activities during hot weather to reduce odour spread.
The city has also directed Thanh Hoa Urban Environment and Public Works JSC to repair torn landfill covers, stop wastewater leaks, and ensure odour control measures are enforced at all burial zones.
