Survey the Status of Plastic Carrier Bag Usage in Several Supermarkets in Central Vietnam and Assesses the Potential Risks Associated with Disposing into the Environment

Abstract

The single-use plastic carrier bags in retail systems is a pressing environmental issue in Vietnam, especially in major cities like Da Nang. Although policies aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating single-use plastic products by 2030 have been introduced, consumption lebvels remains high due to convenience and consumer habits. The aim of this study is to assess the status of plastic carrier bag usage in several supermarkets in Da Nang city and potential risks associated with disposing of them into environment. The two groups of methods include consultation and sociological survey together with ecological risk assessment approaches methods. Data was collected from surveys of 120 customers and 25 employees across 6 supermarkets and retail stores, combined with interviews with the relevant stakeholders. Potential ecological risks were assessed using the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), calculated from three sediment sampling locations (ĐN1-ĐN3) during both the rainy and dry seasons of 2024. The results showed that single-use plastic carrier bags accounted for 95-99% of all bags used, with an average ratio of 2.48 bags/customer/shopping trip. Although 97.5% of respondents were aware of the negative environmental impact, their consumption behavior had not significantly changed due to the continued free provision of plastic carrier bags. Notably, 92% of consumers were unaware of the regulation banning the distribution of free plastic bags by 2030. The PHI values ​​recorded in the rainy and dry seasons were 37.06 and 69.68 MP/kg, respectively, indicating a low risk level. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of plastic carrier bags such as restricting the free supply of plastic carrier bags, enhancing communication, and promoting the use of alternative products to ensure a feasible and effective roadmap for reducing plastic carrier bags. Furthermore, the PHI value provides scientific evidence for environmental managers in the planning and development of policies and regulations related to plastics and plastic waste management.