02/09/2026
Field Stories | Supporting Safer Work for Informal Waste Workers
On August 16, 2026, Mạng lưới Người thu gom - The Collector Network (TCN) held the successful pilot run of its Health, Safety & Environment training series in Thanh Khe Ward, Da Nang.
The half-day session focused on occupational safety and first aid for informal waste workers, bringing together 33 informal waste workers from Thanh Khe Ward, including 29 new participants and 4 existing network members.
The training was organized under the program “Advancing The Collector Network – Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Vietnam’s Circular Economy in Da Nang 2026,” implemented in partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam , and co-organized with the Da Nang City Red Cross Society and Thanh Khe Ward Red Cross Society.
The session covered practical safety topics that are directly relevant to the daily realities of informal waste work, including:
-Hazard identification, including needles, glass shards, and explosives
-Safer lifting and carrying techniques to help prevent spinal injuries
-Traffic safety, especially during dusk and low-visibility hours
-First aid for cuts, needle-stick injuries, animal bites, and heatstroke
-Hands-on bandaging practice among participants
The energy in the room was strong from the beginning, with many participants arriving early and actively joining Q&A activities before the session officially started. The Red Cross trainer led both the occupational safety module and first aid practice with enthusiasm, keeping the group engaged throughout.
As part of the event, TCN also distributed practical support packages to all participants, including a hat, water bottle, protective gloves, and face mask.
One participant shared that they had joined a TCN event two years ago and were genuinely excited to see TCN organizing again this year — a meaningful reminder that consistent community engagement leaves a lasting impression.
For Evergreen Labs, this pilot training reflects an important part of building circular economy infrastructure: supporting the people who make recovery possible.
Informal waste workers play a critical role in keeping materials in circulation. Strengthening their safety, recognition, and access to practical support is essential to building waste systems that are not only more circular, but also more inclusive.
Circular that works.
Built to scale.
Made for impact.