River Ocean Cleanup team collects plastic waste from a Phnom Penh river recently. River Ocean Cleanup
“Beat Plastic Pollution” is the chosen theme for tomorrow’s National Environment Day, as well as World Environment Day, which also falls on June 5. Cambodia, like the rest of the world, is experiencing rising concerns over the increase and impact of plastic waste.
Ministry of Environment spokesperson Khvay Atitya said the theme was selected in line with global trends and Cambodia’s own growing challenges with plastic waste, which has become a serious issue.
“Plastic pollution doesn’t just affect the beauty of our cities and rural areas, but also causes severe harm to the environment, ecosystems, public health and the national economy. This theme is a response to those challenges,” he said.
He added that the theme is also a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in addressing the problem of plastic waste and moving toward a substantial reduction in plastic pollution.
The Ministry for the Royal Palace, the National Committee for National and International Celebrations, the environment ministry and Phnom Penh City Hall are jointly organising a June 5 event, under His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. The event will be held at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.
The ministry stated that the day aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and mobilise participation from the public, monks, armed forces, civil servants at all levels, students and other citizens.
The goal is to strengthen environmental protection, better manage plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable planet for the benefit of society and future generations.
The event will also feature an exhibition showcasing the achievements and products of various government institutions, private companies and development partners working in the environmental sector. This exhibition will run from June 6 to 8.
By 2050, global urban solid waste is projected to reach 3.4 billion tonnes, posing grave risks to ecosystems, economies and human health. Currently, more than 8 million tonnes of plastic waste — including styrofoam— are polluting the oceans annually. This pollution kills millions of marine animals each year. The UN has warned that by 2050, plastic may outnumber fish in the oceans.
In Cambodia, an estimated 4 million tonnes of waste are generated each year. Of this, 60 per cent is organic waste, and 20 per cent is plastic waste — most of it being single-use plastics such as food containers, bottles and bags. The remaining 20 per cent is other waste, with much of it improperly discarded.
The Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) organisation has reported that plastic waste such as shoes, lighters, bottles and Styrofoam wash up on the shores of Koh Ach Seh in Kep province every day. Much of this waste is carried by ocean currents from distant coastlines and is the result of human activity, despite regular cleanup efforts.
“It’s time to act. Reduce your consumption of plastic and Styrofoam, participate in clean-ups, and raise awareness. Every action count, both locally and globally,” MCC called.
In January, the environment ministry launched a national campaign to clean up plastic along highways, called “Plastic-Free National Roads”. Previously, it initiated other campaigns, including “Today I Will not Use Plastic Bags” and “Clean Cambodia: Khmer Can Do”.
The ministry claimed that the two first campaigns helped reduce plastic imports by over 80 per cent in 2024 and that plastic litter along the Kingdom’s roadsides was reduced by around 80 per cent compared to 2023.
