Rising Bad Air Quality Levels Expose Waste Issues, World Bank Funds Major Reform

This Week

Air pollution in Laos is worsening, with PM2.5 levels across southern provinces now reaching concentrations that pose risks to public health, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

In late February, air quality readings from Attapeu, Champasak, and Salavan ranged from 150 to 200 AQI, entering the “starting to affect health” category. In Vientiane Capital, AQI levels ranged from 119 to 147, falling under the “minor impact” category. 

However, prolonged exposure can still increase health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Waste Practices Driving Seasonal Pollution

The seasonal haze that affects Laos each year comes from a growing waste management problem. 

Agricultural burning and vehicle emissions are the primary contributors to the pollution, but uncollected waste and open burning also play a major role. 

In 2025, the Ministry of Public works and Transport estimated that Laos generated 6,900 tonnes of household waste daily, with Vientiane Capital producing 15% of that total.

However, less than half of all waste is collected through formal services, leading many communities to resort to burning or dumping trash, which releases fine particulate matter into the air and worsens PM2.5 levels, the ministry found.

World Bank Supports Reform with USD 37.85 Million G rant

The World Bank has approved a grant of USD 37.85 million for the Lao Pollution and Waste Management Project, aimed at improving waste management practices in Laos from 2025 to 2031. 

The initiative will focus on expanding waste collection services and improving landfill management, particularly in Vientiane Capital, where waste collection coverage will rise from 44% to 70%. The project also promotes waste separation, composting, and recycling to reduce the amount of waste burned or dumped, ultimately improving air quality.

Enforcement and Regional Cooperation to Address Burning

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the Lao government has introduced a nationwide ban on outdoor burning during the dry season, with local authorities granted stronger enforcement powers. 

Laos is also working with Thailand and Myanmar on a plan to monitor cross-border haze using satellite data, part of the ongoing CLEAR Sky Strategy aimed at reducing slash-and-burn farming.

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