Background
The Ministry of Environment (MoE) and subnational environment offices have an operational mandate to inspect and enforce environmental permits for industrial solid waste storage and processing activities in urban areas. The Environmental and Natural Resources Code establishes a permit regime for industrial solid waste storage and processing, and MoE units conduct on-site checks with district and commune authorities to verify compliance.
The inspection team found stockpiles of hard industrial waste and recyclable fabric scraps stored on vacant lots and in front of residences in Snoul Kpov village, Kamboul commune, Kamboul district, Phnom Penh, and noted that the company’s original solid-waste disposal site has been closed since 2022 while some storage and processing activities continued without an MoE permit. The team issued measures that include permit revocation under Article 175 and monetary penalties referenced under Articles 161 and 694 of the Environmental and Natural Resources Code.
Scope of Application
Applies to Sarum Trading’s storage and processing of industrial solid waste in Snoul Kpov village, Kamboul commune, Kamboul district, Phnom Penh. The scope covers on-site storage on vacant lots and public-frontage areas, and activities related to collection and preliminary processing of recyclable industrial residues that lack formal environmental approval.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- Revoke or remove the company’s business permit for industrial solid waste activities in accordance with Article 175 of the Environmental and Natural Resources Code.
- Impose administrative fines where nuisance or odour violations are found, citing Article 161 and failures to implement environmental protection agreements under Article 694 of the Code.
- Order the company to collect and clean stored waste along roads and specified locations, including materials held on private lots and household frontages that are being used for temporary storage.
- Request local authorities to implement public education and outreach to discourage improper roadside or vacant-lot waste deposition by residents and informal collectors.
- Direct the municipal environment department to continue monitoring and to take further measures against individuals or operators who deposit or store waste without meeting technical standards.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Companies engaged in storage, collection, or preliminary processing of industrial solid waste must hold the appropriate MoE permits and comply with technical standards for storage locations; failure to do so can trigger permit revocation and administrative penalties. Businesses operating in Phnom Penh should coordinate with municipal and district environment offices before continuing waste-processing activities on vacant lots or residential frontages to avoid enforcement measures and cleanup orders.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment Facebook post, 31 July 2026: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryOfEnvironmentCambodia/posts/pfbid02Jvck2qXTpHS77Ne89qhVftzq4kbWwR8LSudgbpDQ497vnUa9yJVj4DC16NYsRJkwl
