Steung Meanchey Dumpsite Closes: Residents Evaluate Long Term Options

After 40 years as Phnom Penh’s municipal waste disposal site, the Steung Meanchey landfill has closed its doors to the city’s trash. Word came from a Steung Meanchey resident on July 25 who confirmed that dump trucks had ceased disposing of trash there. Families dependent on picking trash are left with few options in the wake of this news. One choice is to relocate their home to land closer to the new dumpsite in Choeung Ek, over 15km outside of Phnom Penh. Another option is to spend the one way fare of 2,000 riel (equivalent to US 50 cents) on a moto taxi to go and pick trash at the new dumpsite each day. A final choice is to eke out a living out of picking trash from the street. It is frustrating to see the lack of sustainable aid and resource for those losing their jobs. Aziza’s Place is assessing the needs of each individual family affected by the closure. We are also working with local NGOs to search for sustainable, alternative means to provide our families with a source of income. Photo: A boy dismantles his home in front of the dumpsite.