The Ministry of Environment and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed an agreement to implement a new landfill management master plan in Phnom Penh. The project, which is set to begin next year, aims to ensure sustainable waste management and reduce environmental impacts.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth and Sanui Kazumasa, chief representative of JICA Cambodia, signed the agreement during an October 7 ceremony.
Sophalleth described the partnership as an effective step forward in developing and implementing a master plan for solid waste management, to reduce environmental pollution and move toward a circular economy.
According to the ministry, the agreement aims to ensure sustainable urban solid waste management in Phnom Penh — focusing on environmental protection, circular economy promotion and the development of a regional-level master plan for solid waste landfill operations.
Sophalleth expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued grant assistance, including garbage trucks, financial support and technical aid, which contribute to promoting “Clean Cambodia”.
JICA will support the project by providing additional technical assistance, particularly for capacity building in landfill management planning. The three-year project will begin implementation in March 2026.
Cambodia currently generates around 4 million tonnes of waste annually, with over 10,000 tonnes per day nationwide. Of this, Phnom Penh alone produces about 5,000 tonnes per day.
Food waste makes up 60 per cent of the garbage, followed by plastics, at 20 per cent. The remainder consists of paper, wood scraps, and other materials.
On the day of the signing, the ministry distributed more than 10,000 waste bins to six target provinces — Tbong Khmum, Pursat, Kep, Kampot, Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong.
Sophalleth explained that the new bins are intended to encourage municipal and district administrations to promote cleanliness and correct waste management in their respective areas.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Environmental Sectoral Circular Strategy 2023–2028, which focuses on three key principles: “Clean, Green, and Sustainable”.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to expanding garbage bin distribution nationwide to help Cambodia achieve its carbon-neutral development goal by 2050.
