A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999

In Phnom Penh, the rapid urbanizing process and flow of migration from rural areas have caused rapid population growth, which in turn, has been contributing to an increase of a host of urban environmental problems. The quality of environment is a matter of growing concern. The one of these problems is associated with solid wastes. The present state waste collection, transportation and disposal is not at all satisfactory. It may even turn from bad to worse unless steps are undertaken to increase waste reductions. From this point of view, this study investigates the role of households (HH) and the informal sector (IS) to reduce waste. While solid waste management benefit from many informal inputs, from the contributions of waste pickers, Hetchai buyers, junk dealers or refuse collectors, their key contribution lies in reducing wastes and their separation at source. Their presence is a direct incentive to the household to separate recyclable wastes before dumping them to the primary collection point. Indeed, this informal sector groups together make up a complex network of collecting, sorting, trading and distributing the recyclable items to the recyclers and manufacturers for processing as recyclable products. Materials recovered from waste include paper, cardboard, plastic, tin can, metal items, etc. These become raw materials for producing new products through the intermediary role of the buyers (junk depots and wholesalers). Domestic waste generated by households is the main source of solid wastes in Phnom Penh. They generate about 85% of total wastes. With this in view, this study focuses on the HH and the IS groups engaged in waste recovery and recycling. Specifically, this study aimed to explore the scope of strengthening the role of HH and the IS for improving solid waste management through promoting waste separation and recycling to alleviate the burden of solid management problem and help to mitigate the present environmental degradation of Phnom Penh. The prevailing waste management process and disposal practice call for improvement since the study detects several weaknesses in this system. The household respondents have made various suggestions for improving present waste collection and transportation. Before disposal, households do separate recyclable materials to sell, for reuse and feeding animals. The large proportion of households would appreciate waste separation and recycling program more if it becomes a subject of concern to the government and the municipality. The program requires promoting awareness and education of households and raising their incomes, if possible. With this in view, this study makes policy planning recommendation for long term effectiveness of waste separation and recycling. These recommendations are outlined for actions and interventions by various level of the government (from national to the local) and community (households and the informal sector). National government can take a role of a facilitator to improve the overall atmosphere of waste separation and recycling. Local government, NGOs and private sector can play role to organize the separation and recycling activities at the grassroots level. For example, local government should provide separate containers for disposing waste by HH at the primary collection points, NGOs can raise awareness of the people by launching campaigns, and the private sector should start composting plant to make good use of the organic wastes which currently account for 87% of Phnom Penh wastes.