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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)

Environmental Compost Supporter

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn practical composting and sustainable agriculture skills.
  • Help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote biodiversity.
  • Collect organic waste from homes, markets, and businesses.

Highlights

  • Learn practical composting and sustainable agriculture skills.
  • Help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote biodiversity.
  • Collect organic waste from homes, markets, and businesses.
  • Sort and process biodegradable materials.
  • Monitor decomposition and aeration processes.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join our Waste & Compost Program in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam — a hands-on opportunity to be part of a sustainable, community-driven solution to organic waste management.

    Located in the breathtaking surroundings of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this project collaborates with local environmental cooperatives to drive grassroots efforts in sustainable waste management and urban greening.

    In many Vietnamese cities, organic waste typically ends up in ...

    About the program

    Located in the breathtaking surroundings of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this project collaborates with local environmental cooperatives to drive grassroots efforts in sustainable waste management and urban greening.

    In many Vietnamese cities, organic waste typically ends up in landfills, adding to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative directly addresses the issue by transforming food scraps and biodegradable materials into nutrient-rich compost. The resulting compost is then donated to schools, community gardens, and urban green spaces, promoting eco-friendly farming, cutting down on chemical fertilizers, and enriching local soil health.

    As a volunteer, you’ll take part in every stage of the composting process. From collecting organic waste at homes and local markets to sorting, layering, turning, and harvesting the finished product,  you’ll gain hands-on experience while making a tangible environmental impact. You’ll also play a key role in educating the community about proper waste separation and sustainable living practices.

    But this program offers more than just environmental work, it’s a unique opportunity to engage deeply with Vietnamese culture and support a circular economy led by passionate local changemakers.

    Program Highlights

    • Be part of an innovative solution to global waste challenges
    • Gain hands-on experience in composting and sustainable agriculture
    • Help reduce emissions and promote healthier ecosystems
    • Contribute to local schools and gardens with organic compost
    • Collaborate with grassroots environmental leaders
    • Immerse yourself in local culture through community-driven work

    Your Role

    • Collect organic waste from households, markets, and businesses
    • Sort and process biodegradable materials
    • Build, maintain, and monitor compost piles
    • Assist with aeration and track decomposition progress
    • Harvest, package, and distribute finished compost
    • Support environmental education and awareness campaigns
    • Help maintain cleanliness and efficiency at the composting site

    Location

    Ha Long Bay is a stunning coastal area in northern Vietnam, famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s known for scenic cruises, hidden caves, and floating fishing villages, offering a unique glimpse into local life and natural beauty.

    Project Tasks

    • Reduce landfill waste by upcycling used materials
    • Create handmade, useful products for the community
    • Empower local initiatives and raise awareness about sustainability
    • Promote environmental education through hands-on activities


    Typical day

    Monday to Friday

    Everyday you will have two sessions as follows:

    • Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Afternoon Shift: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

    Morning Tasks include:

    • Digging compost pits
    • Sorting collected organic waste
    • Layering and treating compost piles
    • Aerating and turning the compost

    Afternoon Tasks include:

    • Col

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday

    Everyday you will have two sessions as follows:

    • Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Afternoon Shift: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

    Morning Tasks include:

    • Digging compost pits
    • Sorting collected organic waste
    • Layering and treating compost piles
    • Aerating and turning the compost

    Afternoon Tasks include:

    • Collecting organic waste from local sources
    • Transporting waste to the compost site
    • Cleaning and organizing tools and materials

    The compost is regularly monitored as it matures. Once fully developed, it is harvested and donated to local schools and community gardens, and used to help restore urban green spaces.

    ***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***


    Free-time activities

    Things to Do in Ha Long Bay

    1. Cruise Through the Bay

    Take a day or overnight cruise through the UNESCO-listed bay, weaving between thousands of limestone karsts and islets. Many cruises offer activities like kayaking, swimming, squid fishing, and cooking classes.

    1. Kayaking and Swimming

    Get closer to nature ...

    Free-time activities

    Things to Do in Ha Long Bay

    1. Cruise Through the Bay

    Take a day or overnight cruise through the UNESCO-listed bay, weaving between thousands of limestone karsts and islets. Many cruises offer activities like kayaking, swimming, squid fishing, and cooking classes.

    1. Kayaking and Swimming

    Get closer to nature by paddling through hidden lagoons and sea caves. Popular spots include Luon Cave, Ba Hang fishing village, and the area around Titop Island.

    1. Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

    This is the largest and most famous cave in Ha Long Bay, with dramatic stalactites, vast chambers, and panoramic views from the exit.

    1. Titop Island

    Hike to the top for one of the best views of the bay. There’s also a beach for swimming and relaxing after the climb.

    1. Floating Fishing Villages

    Explore traditional floating communities such as Cua Van. Learn about the daily life of local fishermen and see how these villages function entirely on water.

    1. Bai Tu Long Bay

    Less touristy than Ha Long Bay itself, Bai Tu Long offers a more peaceful experience with equally beautiful scenery — ideal for eco-tours and nature lovers.

    1. Cat Ba Island

    Technically part of the bay, Cat Ba is a great base for outdoor adventures. Visit Cat Ba National Park, go trekking, or explore Hospital Cave, a hidden wartime facility built inside a mountain.

    1. Try Local Seafood

    Enjoy freshly caught seafood at local restaurants or on your cruise. Signature dishes include grilled squid, steamed clams with lemongrass, and seafood hotpot.

    1. Sun World Ha Long Complex

    This amusement park features a cable car, a giant Ferris wheel, waterpark, and other family-friendly attractions with views of the bay.

    1. Ha Long Night Market

    A good place for souvenirs, local snacks, and people-watching in the evenings. You’ll find everything from handcrafted goods to street food stalls.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
    • Arrival bus stop transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Accommodation

    You will stay in our volunteer accommodation, which is located about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong, and roughly 3 hours from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi.

    Volunteers will be accommodated in shared rooms with 2 to 4 people of the same gender. Each room includes basic bedding such as a mattress, blanket, and pillow. Bathrooms and toilets are shared and cleaned twice weekly. The accommodation also has wifi, hot showers, fans and air conditioning.

    We provide a locker at the accommodation — just remember to bring your own padlock for extra peace of mind! There’s a washing machine available but please bring your own laundry liquid, or you can easily purchase some at a local market nearby.

    *Please be aware that dogs and cats may occasionally wander through common areas, and cicadas are commonly heard during the summer.


    Food & Beverages

    Three (3) good meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are provided every day of the program, and on weekends only brunch and dinner. Typical meals include Vietnamese dishes with rice/noodles, pork/beef/fish/seafood, fried vegetables, soup, and breakfast items such as cereal with milk, fruit, sandwiches with jam/eggs, and instant noodles.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Cat Bi International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Haiphong. We assist you to find cheap flights to Vietnam. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Vietnam provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Vietnam you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Vietnam. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    A free pickup is included when arriving to Bai Chay Bus Station, Ha Long. You must arrive between 06:00 – 20:00 on Saturday or Sunday.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $782 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Vietnam > Ha Long Bay

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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