Phnom Penh: On March 7, 2026, the Ministry of Environment ordered all capital and provincial environmental departments to inspect and report on waste storage sites across the country to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, following the discovery of an illegal waste storage site that caught fire, causing severe environmental pollution.
The Ministry confirmed that this directive was issued after a fire broke out at an illegal waste storage site in Kampong Speu province, producing thick black smoke and raising concerns about environmental and public health impacts.
According to the directive, the capital and provincial environmental departments must conduct inspections and prepare reports on waste storage and processing sites within their jurisdiction. These inspections will focus on compliance with environmental laws, including proper waste storage, hazardous waste management, and obtaining the correct environmental permits.
Ministry officials emphasized that the inspections aim to prevent environmental risks such as fires, air pollution, and improper hazardous substance management that could occur at uncontrolled waste storage sites.
The Ministry also warned that any business failing to comply with environmental laws and regulations may face administrative measures or legal actions in accordance with Cambodia’s Environmental and Natural Resources Code.
Authorities clarified that this nationwide inspection aims to strengthen environmental monitoring and ensure that waste management activities do not pose risks to the environment and public health.
