Laws and Regulations

Local Regulations

At the local level, campaigns are the dominant mode in reducing plastic waste, exemplified by the following projects:

1. Love Laos: Keep it Clean

   In 2016, The Asia Foundation launched the ‘Love Laos: Keep it Clean’ campaign to inspire people to stop littering and encourage recycling and composting, fostering sustainable habits within the community. Several target cities under this movement include Bolikhamxay, Luang Prabang, and Khammouane. The campaign started with the establishment of waste management projects in various schools and communities, which comprised financial opportunities and education on subjects like selling materials for recycling and using organic material for fertilizer in vegetable gardens. Additionally, the campaign organized a short movie competition within the same year to raise awareness on waste, littering, and improper waste discharge (Handerson, 2017).

2. SEA Plastic Edu Rasmus+ Project

   The Faculty of Environmental Science at the National University of Laos, the Hanoi University of Sciences, and other organisations collaborated in ‘SEA Plastic Edu Rasmus+ Project’, a project to minimise plastic use and enhance the quality of environment. Targeting government officials, the private sector, teachers, and students, the project consists of training on plastic recycling and plastic exchange management, lessons on characteristics and use of plastic waste, ways of managing waste, and recycling and examination of different types of plastic waste (Bubphanouvong, 2019).

3. Refill Not Landfill

   The city of Luang Prabang, a tourist destination, conducts campaigns, through its tourism industry, to reduce the massive number of plastic water bottles. Hotels, tour operators, restaurants, cafes, and museums provide refill stations for free or cheaper drinking water. Several businesses have started to ban plastic bottles through the Refill Not Landfill activity. Some businesses have been asked to switch from plastic to non-plastic reusable bottles to involve tourists in efforts to reduce plastic waste (The Laotian Times, 2018).

4. The Plastic Free Laos Label (PFLL)

   The PFLL was established by the Project Regional Economic Integration of Laos into ASEAN, Trade and Entrepreneurship Development (RELATED), under the Geutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in 2018 in partnership with the SME Service Center (SSC) under the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) to help hospitality businesses reduce single-use plastics (SUPs) and cut costs. In 2019, Econox Laos assumed management of PFLL, continuing to develop the label. PFLL implements initiatives like "Rent Your Cup," a reuse scheme for food and beverage services, and "From Laundry to Legacy," which studies microplastic pollution and water filtration solutions. The label also connects its members to eco-friendly suppliers through its Green Map, offering sustainable packaging alternatives at discounted rates (Plastic Free Laos) (Swisscontact, 2024).

Efforts to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management in Laos are strongly driven by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and youth-led volunteer groups. These organizations play a pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness and implementing sustainable practices across the country:

• Green Vientiane: An environmental initiative addressing urban challenges in Vientiane, Laos' capital. The group promotes sustainable practices, waste management, pollution reduction, and green space conservation through collaboration with local governments, businesses, and community organizations. Green Vientiane advocates for eco-friendly policies to create a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.

• Trash Idol: Founded in 2014 in Luang Prabang, this volunteer-led initiative raises environmental awareness and promotes sustainable waste management. Supported by the Urban Development and Administration Authority, Trash Idol organizes regular cleanup events, especially after major festivals like Lao New Year and the Boat Racing Festival.

• Precious Plastic Vientiane: Focused on addressing plastic waste in Vientiane, this initiative promotes recycling and sustainable environmental practices. It engages local communities through educational workshops on plastic pollution and effective waste management strategies.

• Zero Waste Laos: A volunteer-driven organization promoting sustainable waste management and environmental conservation. Collaborating with diverse partners, it engages in projects on waste management, climate action, and youth empowerment. Zero Waste Laos has planted over 5,200 trees in 260 schools, demonstrating its commitment to restoration. Through workshops and seminars, the organization equips youth with skills and knowledge for sustainable development.

Updated as of 10 January 2025.