Students take part in a trash collecting initiative in Kampong Chhnang province’s Rolea Ba'ier district on March 27, as part of the ‘National Roads Free of Plastic Waste’ campaign. Environment ministry
The Ministry of Environment has reiterated ambitious plans to ensure that by the end of 2025, 126 major national roads spanning over 6,000 kilometres will be litter-free, and schools, health centres and pagodas across the country will each receive three waste bins.
These action plans are part of the “National Roads Without Plastic Waste” campaign, launched by the ministry in January. Action plans were officially announced and presented to ministry leaders, institutions and domestic and international partners on March 27.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth stated at the event that the campaign aims to support the broader "Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do" initiative.
Both campaigns are being implemented simultaneously to improve environmental cleanliness around villages, schools, pagodas and other public spaces. The focus includes promoting waste collection along various roads, particularly national roads, through collaboration among all relevant stakeholders to ensure litter-free roads by the end of 2025, he explained.
The minister highlighted the ministry’s support and encouragement for resource allocation, including providing three waste bins to each school, health centre and pagoda nationwide. The initiative aims to strengthen waste management by ensuring proper waste segregation, in accordance with national standards.
The provision of bins emphasises waste sorting and recycling, which will significantly reduce pollution and generate additional income for schools and recycling businesses.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth announced plans to clean up Cambodia’s national roads by the end of the year at a March 27 meeting. Environment minitry
“At the same time, the ministry will prioritise correct waste separation and the construction of designated waste disposal sites that meet technical and hygiene standards. Efforts will focus on separating plastic, hazardous and general waste for proper disposal,” he said.
During the event, the ministry also provided five garbage trucks to two provincial environmental departments and three associations. One of the trucks was handed over to the Lover Environment and Society Association.
Chum Huot, president of the association, said on March 28 that his organisation will use the truck to support the ministry’s campaign for sustainable cleanliness in Cambodia.
He stated that the association would focus on waste collection along National Road 3 at least three times a month, while mobilising support from students, local residents, factory workers, businesses and local authorities.
“This truck will be used for waste collection and disposal in designated safe locations. We will ensure that the collected waste is properly disposed of and not dumped indiscriminately. If waste is collected but not disposed of safely, then nothing really changes,” he explained.
The ministry also revealed that the “National Roads Without Plastic Waste” campaign will be implemented across Cambodia’s provinces, targeting 6,309.57 kilometres of 126 key national roads.
Activities include continued awareness campaigns, regular road cleanup efforts and the encouragement of local residents to clean their homes and premises at least twice a week, with support from village and commune authorities.
Additionally, the ministry will promote engagement among students, workers, business employees, factories, enterprises and local administrative units to contribute to Cambodia’s cleanliness efforts.
The campaign will also focus on regular waste management planning, proper disposal of waste and plastics and source separation of solid waste.
Moreover, legal enforcement and recognition measures will be strengthened, with commendations given to municipal, provincial and district authorities, as well as relevant stakeholders, for successfully implementing the action plan.
