The economy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has grown rapidly in recent decades, especially in the capital city of Vientiane. This economic development has led to changing consumption and production patterns, which in turn has resulted in consistent annual increase in waste generation. Restaurants, cafés, and bars, particularly in tourist areas, are significant contributors to plastic waste in Vientiane.

This study aimed to understand recycling activities and associated plastic pollution in Vientiane. It qualitatively assesses the situation, mechanisms, and sources of plastic pollution from recycling to inform the design of effective countermeasures.

This report is published by the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP) of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) with support from ERIA's Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris under the project "Development and Dissemination of Technical Guidelines for Plastics and Resin Pellets Leakage Prevention from Factories and Informal Recycling Sector in the ASEAN".