(VOVWORLD) - In a small house tucked away in Hanoi’s Thanh Xuan district, waste is collected, sorted, and recycled every day. Items that seem useless are given a chance to "live again" instead of being thrown away. This is the story of Tagom, an environmental initiative founded by a group of young people united by a shared desire to promote a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.
 Members of the Tagom project. (Photo: VOV) |
Tagom is more than just a waste collection center. It’s a place where people learn how to sort waste at the source, in a simple and easy way. Through the project, many local residents have changed their perception of waste and are actively participating in sorting waste at the source before bringing it to Tagom for processing. Some have these to say:
"Every day, I collect non-biodegradable waste, clean it, dry it, and store it in a designated area. On weekends, I bring the waste here to be sorted and processed,"
“Before, I only collected waste for scrap dealers. Since discovering Tagom, I realized that waste isn’t just trash – it’s a resource that can be reused.”
"The volunteers here guide me with clear, vivid images so that everyone who brings in waste can sort it easily."
 Tagom is a place where people learn how to sort waste at the source, in a simple and easy way. (Photo: VOV) |
Founded by two people in 2022, Tagom now has 30 members. The name "Tagom" means "we gather together," said Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, one of the co-founders of Tagom.
“We guide people to clean waste at home, then bring it here to sort. Once they arrive, they’ll see the recycling process and better understand how waste can be reused. We also have recycled products for everyone to see and learn about the waste recycling journey," Linh said.
Linh and her team constantly search for the most effective processing methods. As a result, the amount of waste collected and recycled at Tagom has steadily increased. “We welcome 300 to 500 visitors each month. In the early stages, the amount of waste collected was around 500 to 700 kilograms, but now it has reached 2 tonnes per month, especially household waste. After sorting each type of waste, we label it and store it in our warehouse.”
Once enough waste is collected, it is sent to recycling plants with high standards, licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
 Tagom guides people to clean waste at home, then bring it in for sorting. (Photo: VOV) |
With the help of volunteers, sorting waste has become much easier. They offer friendly guidance, creating a welcoming space where everyone can pitch in for the environment. Nguyen Thao Yen, who has been with Tagom since its beginning, sees this as more than just a volunteer job – it's an opportunity to connect with others and spread environmental awareness.
"What’s special about Tagom is how close everyone is. We all feel like this project belongs to us, and we work together to make it grow. We’re encouraged to put in our best effort and contribute to the project's growth, helping it reach more people,” Yen said.
Volunteer Bui Minh Long hopes to spread the small but meaningful actions he’s taken to more people. "Although these are small actions, if we all act together, we can create a cleaner environment."
Tagom has received strong community support. Local residents express their hopes that these efforts will bring about positive change in the community.
"Tagom's activities are very meaningful. I hope that with their enthusiasm and dedication to environmental issues, these young people can change people's mindset and help create a cleaner living environment," said Pham Vu Ngoc Anh of Thanh Xuan district.
"I think what Tagom is doing not only protects the environment but also boosts awareness among the youth and the public, encouraging everyone to join in protecting the environment," said Le Thi Trang, another Thanh Xuan resident.
Waste revitalization is not only an effort to protect the environment but also a reminder that significant changes start with small actions. When each person contributes a little, waste is no longer something to discard but a resource, a hope for a greener future.