As a new university graduate who wants to own a business and create jobs for young workers, Nguyen Van Tien, residing in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, chose to start his business by collecting waste.
When he was a student of the Saigon Technology University, Tien set his career plan of running a company instead of being in someone’s employment.
He started his recyclable waste collection business in 2012.
When collecting recyclable waste for local children’s small social plans, Tien thought that those materials could be reused and it was wasteful to get rid of them.
The saying 'one man’s trash is another man’s treasure' inspired him to collect recyclable waste and establish a company operating in scrap management and recycling.
Every day, Nguyen Van Tien rolls up his sleeves to directly involve himself in the waste collection. |
His employees collect recyclable waste at locations as agreed, including trade centers, convenience stores, and schools.
Waste will be then classified and transported to waste baling stations or recycling factories.
The process helps skip traditional waste collection steps and save time, while ensuring the stable recyclable waste supply.
“At first, I faced many difficulties as I was an amateur and had no experience in the field," Tien said.
"I bought recyclable waste in a traditional manner, using motorbikes or trolleys.
“As for human resources, young people are not keen on this job as it requires laborers to work with waste and do manual jobs.
“It gives them a complex. Therefore, it was hard to seek staff in the initial period.”
His company currently has 14 employees, mainly young people.
They collect recyclable waste at fast-food restaurants, schools, hospitals, and headquarters of wards, communes, and environmental organizations in eight districts of Ho Chi Minh City.
He said the job helped him earn a high income.
The volunteer spirit encouraged him to do special jobs which create a positive impact on the society.
A partner confirms the volume of recyclable waste. |
“I want to boost local residents’ awareness and habit of classifying waste at source," the young man said.
"We provide them with instructions in advance and then collect the classified recyclable waste.
“The solution helps save time; and we offer higher prices for recyclable waste, so our waste supplies are good.
“I look to digitalize this field by constructing green stations on the basis of traditional scrap collection points, which pool recyclable waste from residential areas."
The waste volume is carefully recorded for daily reports. |
“I knew the job when I took park in activities of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union," Dam Thanh Kien, a 22-year-old man in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
"At the time, I met Tien and decided to work with him.
“Although this job turns me dirty or smelly, I do not have the feeling of an inferiority complex as it helps protect the environment.”
Vo Thi Bich Lien, living in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, said, “I often participate in 'trash for gifts' programs.
"Used cans and carton boxes are exchanged for necessities, such as sugar, salt, and cooking oil.
“I think the activity is really meaningful as residents can classify waste at source, contributing to reducing the volume of waste discharged to the environment.”
A green station in Alley 370, Lac Long Quan Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City. Nguyen Van Tien is developing green stations, which will replace traditional scrap collection points. At the stations, recyclable waste will be classified. |
Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!