Hanoi students collect 8 tonnes of waste paper in recycling drive

The annual event is part of the Striped Project, an initiative founded in 2015 by a group of Hanoi students to raise environmental awareness.

Upon conclusion of the event, the proceeds raised and useful recycled products will be donated to disadvantaged students in mountainous areas as meaningful gifts.

“At home, I didn’t really sort waste, but after joining this event, I will recycle more actively,” said Hoang Chau, a student at the HUS High School for Gifted Students.

“Sorting waste can be a bit tiring, but it’s also very rewarding because the waste will be recycled, which benefits our environment."

Nguyen Quynh Chi, a student at Nguyen Hue High School for the Gifted and the project’s communications representative, said after collection, volunteers sort and recycle the materials.

Recycled products are then sold at a fair, while the remaining waste is disposed of properly.

“The money raised from the project will be used for charitable activities,” Chi said.

“Last year, for example, the project organized a charity trip to a school in Thai Nguyen Province."

To encourage waste sorting and promote recycling, the organizers said they have stepped up communication efforts on social media platforms this year.

“The project has actively increased engagement on social media, so the volume of materials collected so far is higher than in previous years,” said Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Truc, a student at Viet Duc High School and head of the organizing committee.

“The volume of waste paper collected this year is expected to exceed last year’s figure, possibly reaching seven to eight tonnes,” Truc added.

“The event is expected to raise VND20-30 million [US$759-1,139],which will go toward rice and other necessities for a school in a mountainous area.

“We will also donate recycled products to the students.”