In Cambodia improving waste management is a key challenge for Battambang (population: 160,000). The issue includes waste collection service, uncontrolled disposal (resulting in accumulation of household waste in waterways, drainage systems, community streets, as well as open burning), limited waste separation at source, and open burning in sub-standard landfills. These cause negative impacts on public health, particularly because of the release of toxic gases during burning, and reduce the overall livability, resilience and competitiveness of the cities.

As part of the Green Urban Development Program Phase 2, GGGI Cambodia has been developing a Secondary City Strategic Plan in collaboration with national and sub-national government. The Strategic Plan focuses on 7 selected secondary cities and is articulated around 4 themes: i.)Integrated urban planning and green infrastructure development; ii.)Green local economy; iii.)Social Inclusion; and iv.)City governance. The Strategic Plan will guide government and development stakeholders from these cities in city planning and management to ensure sustainable local development, balancing economic growth and social and environmental development. The green development of these cities will promote a more balanced and sustainable urbanization in Cambodia.

The plan is currently being finalized and GGGI is initiating the implementation phase. In collaboration with city officials, suitable investment projects which align with the Strategic Plan have been identified. One of the more advanced project ideas put forward by the secondary cities, providing an opportunity for swift action by GGGI, is focused on solid waste management in the city of Battambang. As the second largest city in Cambodia and with existing or planned waste management infrastructure, Battambang is an ideal candidate to investigate and demonstrate the financial viability of recycling opportunities which can then be replicated in other Cambodian cities.

The objective of the project is to develop detailed options to establish a reliable supply chain (segregation, collection, transport and on-sell of products) for recyclable waste in Battambang, with a focus on plastic and organic waste and this project is aligned with IO1. Strengthened national, sub-national and local green growth planning, financing and institutional frameworks.

Impact: Increased access to sustainable waste management services.

Outcome:

• Recommendations on how to establish sustainable supply chains for recyclables adopted by city/entrepreneurs/donors, including the running of a large-scale household segregation trial through interviews with residents and operators.

Project Outputs completed in 2019:

i. Green Growth Policies:

• The study and recommendations have been completed and disseminated and implementation is ongoing. GGGI is the city on coaching implementation.
• Greenpreneur support to local waste recycling businesses
• GGGI signed agreements with Coca-Cola and UNIDO to provide equipment and awareness raising support
• GGGI submitted recommendations to NCSD on the implementation of Sub-decree 113 (waste management) based on Battambang findings. GGGI also provided input into EuroCham’s “white book” providing waste management recommendations.
• Policy Adopted: Recommendations and trial for waste separation and recycling has been signed off by the municipal government. Implementation initiated by the city.

ii. Green Investments: N/A

iii. Capacity Building and Knowledge Products

• Total of 5 capacity building activities in the form of workshops to present results of the study, with financial training provided to recycling businesses along with coaching sessions, presentation of the result of the study to the municipality and NCSD, and presentation on waste management based on Battambang case study.

Project Manager: Karolien Casaer

Chantharo Khan, Jerome Fakhry, Putheary Kuy, Sut Samedy