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At Cambodia, a dark reality hides behind the commercial practices of certain multinationals: the burning of plastics becomes a new engine of profit, to the detriment of the health of local populations. In remote areas like the village of Touk Meas, residents suffer the consequences of industries that burn this waste to fuel their ovens, causing nuisance sanitary and environmental. While companies present themselves as responsible thanks to plastic credits, the real question remains that of their devastating impact on communities and the ecosystem.
In Cambodia, the burning of plastics enriches big companies, endangering the health of local populations
Cambodia, traditionally known for its natural beauty and rich culture, is now facing a major public health problem: the burning of plastics. Big companies are taking advantage of this situation, using plastic waste as fuel in facilities like the Chip Mong Insee cement plant, to the detriment of the health of local communities. This dynamic raises crucial questions about incineration practices, pollution and the impact on the daily lives of residents.
How plastic credits work
THE plastic credits constitute the dubious innovation behind this phenomenon. When a company sells consumer products packaged in plastic, it agrees to pay an intermediary for the collection and management of this waste. For each credit purchased, equivalent to a ton of plastic collected, companies can show an eco-responsible face. However, the reality is very different. Most of this waste ends up incinerated in cement factories, such as that of Chip Mong Insee, seriously endangering the health of surrounding residents.
The consequences on the health of residents
The effects of this pollution are not kept waiting. Residents of the village of Touk Meas, where the cement plant is located, report an increase in respiratory illnesses and other health problems since the plant began operating at full capacity. The quality of life of villagers has declined significantly, with complaints about pervasive dust and the smell of burning plastic. Pheara, a resident, testifies: “Before, when we fell ill, a few medicines were enough. Now you have to take it several times and consult different doctors. »
A poorly managed system
The plastic credit market is even more worrying because it is mainly controlled by private auditors, with little government regulation. The system allows companies to escape their responsibilities while continuing to pollute already vulnerable regions. The Chip Mong Insee cement plant, while promising to create jobs, only worsens the environmental and health degradation in Cambodia. A denial of economic reality
Companies, although aware of the disaster they are causing, continue to benefit economically from this system. Plastic waste management costs from $140 to $670 per ton, but this cost does not seem to be enough to encourage these large companies to reduce their dependence on plastic. On the contrary, the situation seems to be becoming “normalized” again, although it is a lazy and temporary solution to a much larger crisis. Piotr Barczak, from the ACEN network, describes this approach as being very counterproductive for any initiative aimed at reducing the use of plastic. The Illusion of Control
According to official statements, plastic burning is supposed to be regulated and controlled. However, residents claim that waste is regularly burned in the open air, exposing the population to toxic substances such as dioxins. Filters, which are supposed to prevent persistent organic pollutants from escaping, are often unable to capture contaminants resulting from this combustion. Nor can particle emission detection methods identify the most harmful substances generated.
Towards the emergence of alternatives?
Despite the gloomy climate, initiatives are starting to emerge to tackle plastic pollution. Recycling projects are starting to be implemented in Cambodia, but they remain largely insufficient given the scale of pollution. The prospects for real change still seem distant as long as multinationals continue to profit from these flawed systems.
Ultimately, the situation in Cambodia is indicative of a growing global challenge with plastic waste. While big companies continue to enrich their coffers, local populations pay a high price, both in terms of health and quality of life. The fight against plastic pollution, both locally and internationally, is more crucial than ever, and requires general mobilization to act and minimize the damage already caused to our planet.
FAQs on plastic burning in Cambodia
In Cambodia, cement factories like Chip Mong Insee burn plastic waste, which benefits big companies while harming the health of local populations.
The Chip Mong Insee cement plant uses plastic as fuel for its kilns, which allows the factory to operate while reducing costs, but this has harmful consequences for the environment and the health of surrounding residents.
Companies buy
plastic credits
, which are believed to represent tons of plastic waste collected, often leading to its incineration rather than recycling. Residents complain of an increase inrespiratory diseases
since the start of operation of the cement plant, highlighting a link between their health and the pollution generated by the factory. A company pays a middleman to manage its plastic waste, and for every credit purchased, a ton of plastic waste is supposed to be processed, although much ends up burned in cement factories. Controls are often very limited in developing countries like Cambodia, leading to the production of unmonitored harmful pollutants when plastics are burned.
The plastic credit market could grow significantly, but without strict regulation it risks continuing to harm local communities and the environment.