A Gap Analysis in Selected Asian Countries, 3R Knowledge Hub ...

BACKGROUND
Cambodia currently has a population of over 13
million, of which about 15% presently live in
urban settlements. Existing information on solid
waste generation indicates that nearly 700 tons
of waste is generated daily in the main cities
and provisional towns across the country
(WNA, 2001).
Outside Phnom Penh, the capital of the country,
and a few provincial towns, most of the waste is
simply dumped on vacant land outside of the
towns. Most of the dumpsites are usually
uncontrolled in nature, poorly managed and
pose significant risks to both the environment
and the public.
Waste collection in Phnom Penh
Image source: Murray Haight, Waste Econ
One of the emerging concerns of Cambodia’s
solid waste sector has been the recent rapid
transition from biodegradable materials such as
paper bags and banana leaves to nonbiodegradable
materials, principally plastics.
Plastic waste can be seen close to nearly every
town and village in the country and are
beginning even in remote areas. All forms of
plastic currently in use have become persistent
sources of environmental pollution. Other
waste sectors, medical, industrial, hazardous/
toxic, are now beginning to increase in volumes
due to the recent rise in industrial development.
3.4
Cambodia
PRIORITY AREAS
Available information indicates that recycling
and reuse of materials and waste have been
happening as large informal operations. An
analysis of the waste generation and
management issues in the country clearly
indicates two major areas for priority action:
• Recycling and reuse of hazardous waste
materials dumped from neighboring
developed countries
• Unscientific recycling of Used Lead Acid
Batteries
Issues related to waste management are diverse
and differ based on various aspects from
generation patterns to treatment and disposal
technologies, to intensity of problems created.
However, this study focuses primarily on urban
municipal wastes, healthcare and e-waste.
Essentially, this gap analysis attempts to
investigate and present the current state of
generation, characteristics, technologies, policies
and legislations for the focal sectors, urban
municipal wastes, healthcare and e-waste.
Chapter 3: Country Analysis
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