Across capital

Action to be taken against all litterbugs

PHNOM Penh municipal governorKhuongSrenghasannounced that strict measures will be employed against anyone who breaches the capital’s solid waste management regulations.

He made it clear that fines will be imposed on any home or business owners, public or private institutions, and citizens who violate the rules from January 8.

He explained that the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration issued guidelines for the correct management of garbage in September 2021. They provided detailed instructions on the separation, packaging, storage and disposal of solid waste, but some homeowners and businesses have not heeded the orders.

“The municipal administration has found that most people have paid attention and are following our guidelines, but there are still a small number who are not adhering to the best practices we have prescribed,” he said.

“Therefore, starting from now, those who do not follow our instructions will be fined, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force. These regulations list violations in respect to the separation, packaging, storage and disposal of garbage and the payment of solid waste collection services in Phnom Penh,” he added.

The governor warned that other necessary administrative measures – or even the temporary suspension of business licenses – may be carried out, if necessary.

Chum Huot, president of the Lover Environment and Society Association, supported the administration’s move, believing that fining people will contribute to effectively enforcing Phnom Penh’s waste management measures. He hoped that the fines would prevent people from littering in public places.

Huot observed that in some communes in Phnom Penh, people appeared to throw their garbage anywhere, even in public streets and in front of their homes. He suggested that this shows that they do not care about the cleanliness of the city, or understand the importance of working together to protect the environment.

“This measure will strengthen the law and force people to respect it. If the administration strictly enforces the laws that already exist, people will obey the law. They will manage their waste, without the need for further guidance from environmental officials or other authorities,” he said.

According to Huot, the implementation of the law will contribute to the protection of the environment and improved hygiene, as well as the beautification of the capital, and will benefit the public.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Phnom Penh produces an average of 3,000 tonnes of garbage per day, of which only slightly more than 20 per cent is recycled. On average, each person uses about five plastic bags per day, generating about 57 tonnes of plastic waste per day.

In total, Cambodia consumes about 56 million of plastic bags per day, equivalent to 279 tonnes.