Phnom Penh: The Environment Ministry has urged the public to dispose of their old batteries, laptops and phones properly. It has set up e-waste disposal bins at select supermarkets and gas stations in Phnom Penh. This is part of government’s efforts to help protect the environment. The environmental group, Cambodia Green Will, has welcomed the move.

“The youth hold the future of the country”. This is what the project coordinator of youth organization Cambodia Green Will, Mr. Nil Sangvat Reksa, says as they welcome the initiative of the Ministry of the Environment in placing e-waste disposal bins in Phnom Penh. He’s encouraging other youth to support government’s initiative.

“We have the creativity, imagination and the responsibility. So, we can use our creativity to help our society to help in resolving the environmental issue. We cannot point or single out and blame to anybody. We as a citizen needs to take a part to solve the problem.”

Director of the Hazardous Substances Management Department in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Sophal Alaska, says waste batteries are considered hazardous because they contain highly toxic substances such as mercury, nickel and lead which are harmful to both the environment and humans. Ministry spokesman, Mr. Neth Pheaktra, has appealed to the public to dispose of their e-waste properly.

There are 12 supermarkets and gas stations where this can be done, including Chip Mong Noro Mall, Borey Peng Huoth and PTT Gas Station.