This regional project contributes to the Sustainable Consumption and Production objective of ASEAN’s Vision 2040 and Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 by enhancing the capacity of relevant stakeholders to implement integrated municipal solid waste management (IMSWM) policies and investments. The project undertakes IMSWM assessments at the national level and in four target cities, namely Vientiane Capital, Paksan (Bolikhamxay Province), Sam Neua (Huaphanh Province), and Pek (Xiengkhuang Province). Through these assessments, the project identifies and develops catalytic investments into the waste sector. This project is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE), with technical assistance from GGGI and the ASEAN Korea Cooperation Fund.

– Formulate a strengthened framework for IMSWM for the ASEAN region

– Accelerate investments for improved IMSWM in Lao PDR

– Enhance knowledge sharing and capacity for IMSWM in Lao PDR

– Regionality and cohesion – The project aims to enhance ASEAN regional management of solid waste through the development of the 2030 ASEAN Waste Strategy and enhancement of the ASEAN Socio Cultural Community Blueprint 2025.

– Country ownership and differentiation – The project is steered by national governments working through national focal points and reflecting national priorities. It generates on-ground evidence to highlight the real waste management needs of ASEAN member countries.

– Private sector investment – The project facilitates the mobilization and crowding in of private finance by designing waste sector investment projects tailored to the needs of cities, communities, and commercial capital.

In 2018, there were 649 million residents in AEAN member states, producing around 150 million tons of solid waste per year. This is expected to double by 2030, reaching 300 million tons per year. Out of all the ASEAN member states, Lao PDR produces the least amount of waste – some 2,130,000 tons per year. However, as for the region generally, this volume is expected to double by 2030, driven by population growth, urbanization, economic development, increased consumption and the expanding services sector. Collectively, ASEAN member states are seeking regional solutions to the regional waste crisis.

In Lao PDR,

– Around 64% of municipal waste is organic – This means there is significant potential for composting and organic fertilizer generation. In most cities, source separation of waste is limited and urgently needs to be improved.

– Only around 25% of waste is recycled – Due to a paucity of large-scale waste recycling facilities, most waste gets dumped, burned illegally or put into landfill. More needs to be done to improve recycling.

– Local waste management regulation is limited – Both national and local governments have responsibility for waste management, however many urban areas need to improve their regulation and bylaws for sustainable management of solid waste and enhanced environmental protection.

Read and download full project factsheet here: Lao version and English version