Background

Cambodia’s rapid economic development, with an average annual GDP growth of 7% in the past two decades, coupled with positive signs of recovery post the global COVID-19 pandemic, has driven a shift in consumption patterns and a rapid acceleration in the use of Single-Use Plastics, especially in urban environments, across different sectors such as food and beverage, tourism, hospitality, retailers and restaurants. Changing consumption patterns often lead to a sharp increase in the amount of waste generation, at a rate that solid waste management systems cannot keep up with, resulting in high levels of mismanaged plastic waste leaking into the environment.

It is estimated that 4.78 million tons of solid waste were generated in Cambodia in 2020, equivalent to 0.78 kg per capita per day (Ministry of Environment, 2021). This amount is projected to grow to 1.16 kg and 2.13 kg by 2030 and 2050 respectively. About 2 million tons of waste generated were collected in 2020, with approximately about 55% of this waste collected in Phnom Penh. The waste collection rates greatly vary from rural areas with no access to collection services to high collection rates in Phnom Penh. The uncollected waste is generally managed through open burning, burying, and dumping into vacant lands or water bodies. Open burning of plastics releases harmful chemicals, such as dioxins and furans, into the atmosphere which heighten public health risks. In Cambodian cities, plastic waste blocks waterways and clogs sewage and drainage systems resulting in increased flooding risks. In coastal areas, plastic waste deteriorates the natural environment, marine ecosystems, and scenery and impacts the tourism industry. Given that fish comprise more than 60% of the protein intake for rural Cambodians, there is also a high risk.

The objective of the project is to support Cambodia’s efforts to prevent and minimize plastic waste pollution on land and in the ocean through the promotion of a 4R (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) framework in six urban centers - Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Kampot, Koh Kong, and Tbong Khmum.

Building on the achievements of the Combatting Marine Plastic Litter project, it will further develop and implement enabling policy and regulatory measures, coupled with strategic communication and equipment provision to trigger behavioral changes towards adopting Circular Economy (CE) practices. The project will also target the private sector to drive innovation and create an enabling environment for mobilizing finances for upscaling proven CE business models and share best practices for replication.