More than 308 metric tons of garbage was plucked from the Cai Rang Floating Market, a popular tourist site in Can Tho City, southern Vietnam, between September 2022 and May 2023, according to a report unveiled at an event on Monday to conclude a cleanup project for the city’s floating markets.

Around 30 metric tons of rubbish was also collected from Con Son (Son Islet) during the period, according to the result of the project 'For no garbage in the Mekong River - Piloting the circular economy model at floating markets in Can Tho City' announced at the event held by the Center for Supporting Green Development under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.

The garbage, including domestic waste, coconut husk, by-products of animal husbandry, and recyclable waste, was treated via the green project.

Under the project, household trash was classified as organic waste, recyclable garbage, and other rubbish. Accordingly, organic waste was treated by residents, while recyclable garbage was sold to waste-collecting shops.

The other waste was collected and transported to the city’s landfills twice a week.

Several surveys were conducted before and after the project, and the result of the project will be used to beef up environmental protection in the city, according to the Center for Supporting Green Development.

In March, the People’s Committee of Cai Rang District proposed that Can Tho City’s administration ask the local Department of Natural Resources and Environment to step up efforts in garbage collection and investments in waste treatment equipment for the city’s river network. 

At the Cai Rang Floating Market, there should be multiple waste treatment sites, while more standard bathrooms should be built on boats and rafts, according to the Cai Rang People’s Committee’s proposal. 

The Cai Rang Floating Market is one of Can Tho City’s most well-known tourist spots and among the southwestern region’s famous floating markets.

However, due to road transport development and some other factors, the floating market is seeing a mere 200-250 boats operating, down up to 60 percent against its peak.

Meanwhile, the floating market is facing the blight of garbage, discouraging tourists.

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