Urban organic waste management in Cambodia

 
In fact solid waste management system in Cambodia as in most developing Asian countries is conventional system, no source separation and disposed on a dumpsite. Most waste disposal sites are substandard and not sustainable from the perspective of environmental management. The urban population as well economical development is increasing therefore the amount of urban solid waste is also increasing rapidly. Also the price of land is rapidly increasing. More land is needed for dispose solid waste and people don’t want to have waste disposal site next to their residential area. Therefore transport distances between the disposal sites and the downtown area tend to increase anytime. Consequently, the cost for waste transportation increases, but residents are still not really willing to pay. If these shortcomings continue, the standard of solid waste management in Cambodia will worsen. Consequently, environmental impacts from improper solid waste management would increase and these negative effects will badly influence human health and income generation from tourism. Moreover organic waste is of particular concern as it contributes to global warming through the emission of methane, a gas with a global warming potential over 21 times greater than carbon dioxide. According to the composition of the generated waste, organic waste amounted to 65% approximately.

Composting is a very effective approach in solid waste management

  Composting reduces landfill waste amount, therefore
  Composting can reduce gas emissions
   
Waste lies stagnant in landfill sites where the vital oxygen that is needed to facilitate the decaying process cannot reach it. Landfill material also releases greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Burning on landfill leaves toxic gas and toxic ash waste and a vast amount of carbon dioxide into our precious atmosphere. Composting can be done as home composting, at community therefore transport cost and emission of carbon dioxide into our precious atmosphere will be reduced.
  Land for dispose waste is no more an issue
   
Approximately 65% is organic waste which can be composted. Thos kid of waste is not necessary to be disposed if waste source separation and composting are promoted.  Moreover at least 6 to 10% of urban waste is recyclable waste, therefore big land only for dispose 25% of urban waste is not necessary. 
  Negative environmental impact is reduced
    Less organic waste on dumpsite is also less concern about leachate treatment and ground- and surface water quality is protected. Landfill is no longer attractive for animals carry the disease over.
  Organic residue is a resource
 
Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment.
    Compost manual in Khmer

Social waste management center in Battambang

 
 
The SAB is an integrated project: Social and organic waste recycling center (composting and biogas plant).
Its main cause is to improve life quality and working conditions of the waste-pickers. Improvements are demonstrated through:
 
 
Break room, cooking facilities, showers, toilets, clean water, etc.
There are frequent explanations of security and hygiene measures given to the workers by the COMPED staff.
More than 30 children of the waste—picker families living around the dump site are encouraged to go to school
   and to take advantage of extra tutoring.
They also have access to a playground and playroom.
The produced biogas is used for cooking and lighting and the compost is sold for extra income.
           

Recycling center in Sihanouk Ville

     
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