New $6.5M Landfill Opens in Banteay Meanchey

-
By:
- Chhum Chantha
- Sao Phal Niseiy
-
January 21, 2025, 3:15 PM
PHNOM PENH – A state-of-the-art landfill worth $6.5 million has officially opened in Serei Saophoan City, Banteay Meanchey Province, aiming to revolutionize waste disposal and wastewater management in the region.
Ros Vanna, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, highlighted that the landfill, completed in just 10 months, is designed to serve the waste management needs of 128,008 residents across seven communes of the city until 2040.
The project is a key component of Phase 2 of the Tonle Sap Lake Urban Environmental Management initiative, supported by a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
According to Vanna, the modern landfill adheres to stringent technical standards, promising effective waste and wastewater management. “It reduces health risks, promotes waste recycling, and contributes to a cleaner environment,” he explained.
He added, “A clean environment will boost the national economy by attracting tourists, creating jobs, and increasing citizens' incomes.”
Khvay Aditya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, praised the launch of a new landfill, emphasizing that it will be essential in helping residents manage their waste disposal and contribute to enhancing waste management overall.
“It is essential to have such landfills constructed based on technical standards to prevent all pollution,” Aditya said, adding that so far, Cambodia has around 210 landfill locations, which can cope with around 4000 to 5000 tonnes of waste daily.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has constructed landfills in 10 provinces, including Preah Sihanouk, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampot, Kep, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Kratie, and Stung Treng.
Prioritizing Waste Management Through Education
Aditya highlighted that while constructing new landfill sites can significantly enhance waste management efforts, the cornerstone of long-term sustainability lies in education.
“Landfills can only handle the amount of waste we produce for 30 to 40 years. That is why the most vital part is helping our people manage their waste, including waste sorting and reducing waste,” he explained.
Recognizing this, the Environment Ministry has already undertaken various awareness-raising campaigns and initiatives to engage communities in waste management. These efforts encourage reducing plastic use and food waste to cut down the overall volume of garbage.
“We promote awareness of the 4Rs principles: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, and Reject plastics,” Aditya added, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to fostering responsible waste habits.
Through a combination of infrastructure and education, the focus is on empowering people to become active participants in protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable future.
Aditya also noted that Cambodia has undertaken various initiatives, including the "Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do" campaign, which focuses on waste management and promotes a sustainable, greener Cambodia in 2024.
In 2025, the new campaign, “National Road Free of Plastic Trash," was launched to eliminate plastic waste from roads, ensuring that national roads remain free of garbage and plastic waste.
