Circular No. 76/2025/TT-BNNMT Issuing National Technical Regulations on Solid Waste Landfills

 

CIRCULAR

Issuing National Technical Regulations on Solid Waste Landfills

Pursuant to the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations dated June 29, 2006 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations dated June 14, 2025;

Pursuant to the Environmental Protection Law dated November 17, 2020;

Pursuant to Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP dated January 10, 2022 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Environmental Protection Law and Decree No. 05/2025/NĐ-CP dated January 6, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP dated January 10, 2022 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Environmental Protection Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated August 1, 2007 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations and Decree No. 78/2018/NĐ-CP dated May 16, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated August 1, 2007 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;

Pursuant to Decree No. 35/2025/NĐ-CP dated February 25, 2025 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

At the proposal of the Director of the Environment Department, the Head of the Science and Technology Department;

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular on the issuance of National Technical Regulations on Solid Waste Landfills.

Article 1. Attached to this Circular is the National Technical Regulation on Solid Waste Landfills (QCVN 96:2025/BNNMT).

Article 2. Effective Date

This Circular shall take effect from June 29, 2026.

Article 3. Transitional Provisions

1. Facilities that have commenced operation, investment projects currently underway (including projects with approved environmental impact assessment reports or which have been accepted by competent authorities for environmental impact assessment report review, environmental permit issuance, or environmental registration before the effective date of this Circular) with solid waste landfills may continue to operate according to the following transitional provisions:

a) Existing operational solid waste landfills and those under construction and completed acceptance inspection before December 31, 2028 may continue to operate until their approved capacity but must comply with the provisions at Section 2.3 and Section 2.4 of QCVN 96:2025/BNNMT.

b) Solid waste landfills of investment projects under construction and completed acceptance inspection after January 1, 2029 must meet the requirements set out in QCVN 96:2025/BNNMT except for Section 2.1 of QCVN 96:2025/BNNMT.

2. New solid waste landfills of investment projects (including new projects, expanded scale projects, increased capacity projects) initiated and constructed after the effective date of this Circular must comply with the provisions of QCVN 96:2025/BNNMT.

3. It is encouraged for facilities and ongoing investment projects to apply the provisions of QCVN 96:2025/BNNMT from the effective date of this Circular.

Article 4. Organization of Implementation

1. Ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, People's Committees at all levels, Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development of provinces and centrally governed cities, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. During the implementation of this Circular, if any difficulties arise, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals must promptly report in writing to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for consideration and resolution./.

 

 

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM

QCVN 96:2025/BNNMT

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS

National Technical Regulation on Solid Waste Landfills

Foreword

QCVN 96:2025/BNNMT compiled by the Environmental Department, reviewed by the Science and Technology Department, and promulgated by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development pursuant to Circular No. .../2025/TT-BNNMT dated ... month ... year 2025.

 

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS

National Technical Regulation on Solid Waste Landfills

Chapter 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1. Scope of Application

1.1.1. This regulation sets technical and environmental protection requirements for solid waste landfills.

1.1.2. This regulation does not apply to radioactive waste disposal. Radioactive waste disposal shall be carried out in accordance with laws on atomic energy.

1.2. Applicability

This regulation applies to state agencies, organizations, and individuals investing, constructing, operating, and managing solid waste landfills, and other related organizations and individuals.

1.3. Definitions

In this regulation, the following terms are understood as follows:

1.3.1. Solid waste landfill is a location for solid waste disposal through landfilling to ensure no environmental pollution and adverse effects on public health. A solid waste landfill includes household solid waste landfills, general industrial solid waste landfills, and hazardous solid waste landfills. Solid waste landfills can be divided into multiple landfill cells for easier management. Tailings ponds generated from mineral extraction and processing are not considered solid waste landfills.

1.3.2. Cell for solid waste is a cell with specific size and structure within a solid waste landfill where solid waste is buried.

1.3.3. Inert waste is waste that does not biodegrade and does not produce gas when buried (including residues after recycling and recovering solid waste).

Chapter 2. TECHNICAL PROVISIONS

2.1. Requirements for site selection and location of solid waste landfills

2.1.1. The location of solid waste landfills must comply with national environmental protection planning, regional planning, provincial planning, urban and rural planning, or other plans related to waste management that have been approved by competent authorities.

2.1.2. Solid waste landfills must not be located within the protected zones of water sources, drinking water supply areas, frequently flooded areas, and other areas requiring protection as prescribed by law.

2.1.3. The location of solid waste landfills must ensure environmental safety distances as stipulated in Circular No. 02/2025/TT-BTNMT dated February 12, 2025 issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and EnvironmentQCVN 01:2025/BTNMT - National Technical Regulation on Environmental Safety Distance for Residential Areas from Production, Business, Service Facilities, and Warehouses with Risk of Dust, Unpleasant Odors, and Noise Harmful to Human Health.

2.2. Requirements for Environmental Protection in the Design and Construction of Solid Waste Landfills

2.2.1. The design and construction of household solid waste landfills and general industrial solid waste landfills must meet at least the following environmental protection requirements:

2.2.1.1. There must be a separate system for collecting and draining rainwater from the system collecting leachate.

2.2.1.2. There must be a system for collecting leachate to the wastewater retention area or wastewater treatment system. The leachate collection system must be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements set out in Clause 6.3.6 of TCVN 13766:2023.TCVN 13766:2023 - Solid Waste - Sanitary Landfill - Design Requirements (hereinafter referred to asTCVN 13766:2023).

2.2.1.3. The sides and bottom of household solid waste landfills and general industrial solid waste landfills must be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements set out in Clause 6.3.2 of TCVN 13766:2023.

2.2.1.4. There must be a system for collecting and incinerating landfill gas or recovering energy from landfill gas, except in the case of inert waste landfills. The design and construction of the landfill gas collection and treatment system shall be carried out according to Clause 6.3.7 of TCVN 13766:2023.TCVN 13766:2023

2.2.1.5. There must be a groundwater monitoring well system to monitor groundwater quality periodically during the operational phase and post-closure control period of the landfill.

2.2.1.6. The maximum height of household solid waste landfills and general industrial solid waste landfills must be calculated to ensure safety in accordance with the provisions of the Construction Law.

2.2.2. The design and construction of hazardous waste landfills must meet at least the following environmental protection requirements:

2.2.2.1. There must be a separate system for collecting and draining rainwater from the system collecting leachate.

2.2.2.2. There must be a system for collecting leachate to the wastewater retention area or wastewater treatment system. The leachate collection system must be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements set out in Clause 6.3.3 of TCVN 13439:2022.TCVN 13439:2022 - Hazardous Waste Landfill - Design Requirements (hereinafter referred to asTCVN 13439:2022).

2.2.2.3. The sides and bottom of hazardous waste landfills must be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements set out in Clause 6.3.2 of TCVN 13439:2022.TCVN 13439:2022.

2.2.2.4. There must be a system for collecting and incinerating landfill gas or recovering energy from landfill gas, except in the case of inert waste landfills. The design and construction of the landfill gas collection and treatment system shall be carried out according to Clause 6.3.5 of TCVN 13439:2022.TCVN 13439:2022

2.2.2.5. There must be a groundwater monitoring well system to monitor groundwater quality periodically during the operational phase and post-closure control period of the landfill.

2.2.2.6. Hazardous waste landfills larger than 5,000 square meters must be divided into landfill cells with a maximum cell size of 5,000 square meters. The maximum height of hazardous waste landfills must not exceed five meters (including the surface cover layer when the landfill is closed) above ground level.

2.2.27. There must be a fixed or mobile roof or the use of tarps to cover inactive hazardous waste landfill cells.

2.3. Requirements for Operating Solid Waste Landfills

2.3.1. Requirements for operating household solid waste landfills and general industrial solid waste landfills:

2.3.1.1. Waste must be spread on the surface of the landfill cell and compacted in layers within the cell, separated by intermediate cover layers of soil or other materials (if necessary). Household solid waste can be co-disposed with general industrial solid waste.

2.3.1.2. Use soil or other materials (such as tarps) as cover layers to cover the surface when there is no waste disposal activity. In cases where waste is transported to the landfill by vehicles, it must be ensured that it does not affect the bottom liner, side slopes, or leachate collection system.

2.3.1.3. The quantity of waste disposed must be consistent with the landfill's design capacity.

2.3.1.4. One or more measures must be applied to eliminate or reduce unpleasant odors: chemical spraying, odor-reducing products; temporary covering of the landfill surface.

2.3.1.5. Regularly inspect the leachate collection pits and landfill gas flares (if installed). Household solid waste landfills that recycle part of the leachate from their own collection system or thick sludge from the leachate treatment system back into the landfill must ensure safety and stability of the buried waste mass and stop immediately if safety is compromised; measures must be taken to minimize odor dispersion into the environment.

2.3.1.6. Regularly inspect the landfill to detect unusual signs during prolonged heavy rainfall or floods and take timely corrective actions.

2.3.1.7. There must be an operation logbook for the landfill and record at least the following contents per shift: Time and name of operator; type and quantity of waste received; type and quantity of chemicals or products used (if any); unusual events or incidents (if any), cause and corrective measures, the operation logbook must be written in Vietnamese and kept for a minimum of five years.

2.3.2. Requirements for Operating Hazardous Waste Landfills:

2.3.2.1. It is not permitted to dispose of liquid hazardous waste or waste containing liquids; infectious waste; spent lead-acid batteries; spent transformers and capacitors containing PCBs.

2.3.2.2. The quantity of waste disposed must be consistent with the landfill's design capacity.

2.3.2.3. Hazardous waste shall be placed in landfill cells using transport vehicles, mobile cranes, or other technical means. When placing hazardous waste in a landfill using transport vehicles, it must ensure that there is no impact on the bottom liner, cell walls, and leachate collection system.

2.3.2.4. Daily cover (with a roof or tarpaulin) must be provided when there is no landfilling activity; hazardous waste may only be landfilled on non-rainy days.

2.3.2.5. Regular inspections of the hazardous waste landfill site must be conducted to detect unusual signs during prolonged heavy rain or flooding periods and take timely remedial measures.

2.3.2.6. A daily operation logbook for the hazardous waste landfill site must be maintained. The establishment, recording, and retention period of the logbook shall comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 2.3.1.8 of this Standard.

2.4. Requirements for Closing Solid Waste Landfills

2.4.1. The closure of municipal solid waste landfills and general industrial solid waste landfills after the end of operations shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions stipulated in Article 32 of Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT dated January 10, 2022, issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment detailing certain provisions of the Law.2.4.1. The closure of municipal solid waste landfills and general industrial solid waste landfills after the end of operations shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions stipulated in Article 32 of Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT dated January 10, 2022, issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment detailing certain provisions of the Law.The Environmental Protection Law.

2.4.2. The closure of hazardous waste landfills shall be carried out by the project owner or operator, ensuring compliance with environmental protection laws and meeting the following requirements:

2.4.2.1. There must be a geosynthetic membrane made of HDPE or equivalent material with a minimum thickness of 1.5 mm. If soil is used as the cover layer, its clay content must exceed 30% and its thickness must be at least 60 cm.

2.4.2.2. The slope from the base to the top of the landfill must gradually increase from 3% to 5%, ensuring good drainage and preventing slippage and subsidence.

2.4.2.3. A suitable soil layer must be laid as a cap to meet the subsequent use purpose of the landfill. In cases where grass or trees are planted, a soil layer primarily composed of sand with a thickness of 50 cm to 60 cm should be laid; followed by a planting soil layer (natural soil) with a thickness of 20 cm to 30 cm; and finally, grass and trees should be planted.

2.5. Requirements for Groundwater Monitoring

2.5.1. Prior to the operation of the solid waste landfill, groundwater quality monitoring must be conducted a minimum of three times (on three different days) at the wells specified in Clauses 2.2.1.5 and 2.2.2.5 of this Standard.

2.5.2. During the first year of operation, groundwater quality monitoring must be conducted a minimum of three times every six months at the wells specified in Clauses 2.2.1.5 and 2.2.2.5 of this Standard. From the second year of operation until the landfill closure, monitoring frequency must be at least once every six months. For pesticide parameters, monitoring frequency must be once a year.

2.5.3. After the landfill closure until the handover of the site to the competent authority, groundwater quality monitoring must be conducted a minimum of once a year at the wells specified in Clauses 2.2.1.5 and 2.2.2.5 of this Standard.

2.5.4. The parameters for assessing groundwater quality as prescribed in this Standard shall be implemented according to QCVN 09:2023/BTNMT - National Technical Regulation on Groundwater Quality.2.5.4. The parameters for assessing groundwater quality as prescribed in this Standard shall be implemented according to QCVN 09:2023/BTNMT - National Technical Regulation on Groundwater Quality.

3. MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS

3.1. Gases generated from solid waste landfills (including during operation and post-closure) must be collected, energy recovered, burned, or otherwise treated appropriately to prevent pollution and explosion hazards to the surrounding environment, except for closed landfills with gas concentrations not exceeding 5%.

3.2. Wastewater (leachate) generated from solid waste landfills (including during operation and post-closure) and from other activities within the landfill area must be collected, treated, or managed in accordance with regulations. In cases where wastewater is discharged into receiving water bodies, the permissible limits of pollutants in the wastewater generated from solid waste landfills must comply with the requirements stipulated in QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT - National Technical Regulation on Industrial Wastewater.3.2. Wastewater (leachate) generated from solid waste landfills (including during operation and post-closure) and from other activities within the landfill area must be collected, treated, or managed in accordance with regulations. In cases where wastewater is discharged into receiving water bodies, the permissible limits of pollutants in the wastewater generated from solid waste landfills must comply with the requirements stipulated in QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT - National Technical Regulation on Industrial Wastewater.3.2. Wastewater (leachate) generated from solid waste landfills (including during operation and post-closure) and from other activities within the landfill area must be collected, treated, or managed in accordance with regulations. In cases where wastewater is discharged into receiving water bodies, the permissible limits of pollutants in the wastewater generated from solid waste landfills must comply with the requirements stipulated in QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT - National Technical Regulation on Industrial Wastewater (issued together with Circular No. 06/2025/TT-BTNMT dated February 28, 2025, issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment).

3.3. The technical requirements for each solid waste landfill specified in Section 2 of this Standard shall be reviewed for each specific investment project or facility.

3.4. Solid waste landfills can only be put into operation and closed after completing environmental procedures as required by law.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

4.1. The project investor responsible for constructing solid waste landfills has the responsibility to calculate and explain to demonstrate compliance with the requirements set forth in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of this Standard in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, the Application for Issuance, Amendment, or Renewal of Environmental Permits, and the Environmental Registration Document.

4.2. Calculations, explanations, and proof of compliance with the requirements set forth in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of this Standard through technical parameters in the completion drawings and documents shall be self-conducted and self-responsible by organizations and individuals in accordance with the law.

4.3. Organizations and individuals operating and managing solid waste landfills have the responsibility to:

4.3.1. Operate the solid waste landfill in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 2.3 of this Standard.

4.3.2. Ensure that emissions and wastewater generated from the solid waste landfill are collected and treated to meet environmental protection requirements and national technical standards for air emissions and wastewater.

4.3.3. Conduct groundwater quality monitoring in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 2.5 of this Standard and integrate the results of groundwater quality monitoring into periodic environmental protection reports of the project or facility as required. In case of detecting signs of groundwater contamination, emergency response and post-incident environmental restoration actions must be taken in accordance with the law, including the following:

4.3.3.1. Promptly investigate and determine the cause and location of leakage.

4.3.3.2. Implement emergency response measures: technical measures to control and prevent the spread of pollution; repair and ensure that solid waste landfills are properly sealed to prevent leachate from leaking into the environment.

4.3.3.3. Report to the provincial environmental protection authority for consideration and resolution in accordance with regulations.

4.4. The project investor and facility responsible for closing solid waste landfills in accordance with Clause 2.4 of this Standard.

Chapter 5. ORGANIZATION OF IMPLEMENTATION

5.1. The state management agency for environmental protection is responsible for guiding and inspecting the implementation of this Standard.

5.2. In cases where laws, regulations, standards, or technical standards cited in this Standard are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be implemented according to the new documents and provisions./.