A waste summit is slated to take place in the capital this month to address why separating waste is important.

The Waste Summit 2023 will be held on May 13 at Factory Phnom Penh under the theme “Why Waste Separation Matters”. The summit will focus on the importance of waste separation and will bring together government representatives, investors, and people working in the waste management sector to discuss challenges and solutions.

Citing a media report, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Cambodia (KAS Cambodia) said in a press release on Wednesday that Cambodia produces more than 10,000 tons of solid waste per day, or four million tons per year. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, is illegally disposed of in rivers and lakes, or burned.

The press release said that proper waste management and disposal remain significant concerns in Cambodia despite the fact that the issues are receiving attention and more initiatives have been established to help Cambodia address its waste problems better. As Cambodia’s economy continues to expand, so does its waste production.

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The Waste Summit 2023 will be held once again, organized by KAS Cambodia and in close cooperation with partners, including German Business Cambodia (GBC), German Development Cooperation in Cambodia (GIZ), local and international waste management companies and startups, relevant governmental departments, and non-governmental organizations across Cambodia.

Daniel Schmücking, Country Director of KAS Cambodia, said, "With the massive success of the Waste Summit last year, in which we discussed the role of the informal sector in addressing waste management in Cambodia, we are proud to bring back this flagship event with a new focus on waste separation and discuss why it matters.”

The Waste Summit 2023 will provide an opportunity to learn more about waste separation and discuss how it can be implemented in Cambodia.

The summit will feature a photo exhibition, panel discussions, guest lectures, and product displays from companies and startups involved in recycling and waste management.

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“We want this year´s Waste Summit to be a platform for discussing and promoting the waste separation concept for all people from all walks of life in Cambodia,” Schmücking said.

“We also want it to be a place where governmental representatives, investors, and people working in the sector can meet up, raise the challenges and come up with solutions for better waste management in the country.”

Waste in Cambodia is generally mixed up, including dangerous substances, hazardous waste as well as electronic products or e-waste, the release said, citing media reports.

seng.mengheng@kiripost.com