Tom Starkey
The Waste Summit 2023, a flagship event held at The Factory Phnom Penh this past weekend, turned its spotlight on crucial waste management issues. This focus is especially important as Cambodia’s solid waste problem escalates, in tandem with the nation’s economic growth.
Statistics from a media report following last year’s summit indicate that Cambodia generates over 10,000 tons of solid waste daily, equivalent to four million tons annually. A significant portion of this waste ends up in landfills, is unlawfully dumped into water bodies or incinerated, adding to environmental concerns.
Read more: 2022 Waste Summit highlights the informal sector of Cambodia’s waste management ecosystem
The 2023 Summit, conducted in collaboration with key partners such as the German Business Cambodia (GBC), the German Development Cooperation in Cambodia (GIZ), local and international waste management enterprises, startups, relevant government departments, and NGOs across Cambodia, honed in on waste separation this year.
Evolution of Cambodia’s annual Waste Summit
Reflecting on the evolution of the summit, Dr. Daniel Schmücking, Country Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Cambodia, stated, “last year we discussed the role of the informal sector in addressing waste management in Cambodia, in what was a massively successful event. This year we are proud to bring back this flagship event with a new focus on waste separation and discuss why it matters.”
The summit aimed to initiate and encourage dialogue on waste separation, regardless of socio-economic status, with the intention of creating an environment conducive for government representatives, investors, and industry professionals to network, brainstorm, and devise improved waste management strategies for the country.
One of the significant challenges highlighted at the event was the typical mix of waste in Cambodia. Often, it includes hazardous substances, dangerous waste, and electronic products or e-waste. A considerable number of Cambodian households still possess limited knowledge about proper waste disposal and waste separation, making this an urgent issue to address.
Effective implementation of waste management
In view of this, “Why does Waste Separation matter?” was chosen as the theme for Waste Summit 2023. It aimed to present superior waste management ideas with the ultimate goal of effective implementation of waste management systems in the country.
Ponhneath Nguon, Co-founder of Sarika music school and eco advocate, while sharing her views at the event, emphasized, “As responsible citizens of Cambodia, it is our duty to take action towards better waste management. Separating waste not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the creation of a sustainable and healthier future for all. Let us all join hands and work towards a cleaner, greener Cambodia.”
Waste Summit 2023 went beyond mere discussion and turned into an exhibition platform showcasing photographs, panel discussions, guest lectures, and products from over 50 companies and startups involved in recycling and waste management across Cambodia. The event was open to the public and free of charge.
Guest speakers and industry experts led sessions on ‘how to make waste separation work’, the ‘cost of waste and the effects of non-waste separation’, and ‘local waste management plans’, offering invaluable insights into the various aspects of waste management and the significance of separation at the source.
