New waste collection project targets 25,000 rural residents in Battambang

The 25,000-person figure is a rollout target

SAAT, short for Sustainable Access and Action for Transforming Waste, is being implemented by iDE Cambodia with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, iDE Canada and other Canadian donors. The initiative was formally launched on September 16, 2026, for selected rural communities in Battambang province.

The project aims to divert at least 500 tonnes of waste per month from open burning and uncontrolled dumping. That is a project objective rather than a result already achieved. The available announcements also do not establish province-wide coverage from day one.

For practical context, see Cambodia economy and finance. This development also connects with Cambodia launches programme to cut super pollutant emissions.

Local collection businesses are central to the model

SAAT plans to strengthen three small and medium-sized waste collection businesses in its target districts and create 30 local jobs. Household outreach is another part of the programme, intended to make residents aware of available services and encourage safer disposal where burning or informal dumping is common.

The project also plans to support 30 informal recyclables collectors, about 70% of whom are women, through training, financial assistance and stronger links to recycling markets. Local authorities are expected to be involved in improving waste-management governance, while the programme focuses on making local collection services more viable over time.

Residents will need to check actual service coverage

For someone living in rural Battambang or comparing areas for a long-term move, the launch is a useful signal that collection may improve in participating communities. It is not yet a substitute for checking whether a particular village has been connected, which operator serves it and how regularly collection is provided.

The practical value of SAAT will therefore become clearer as the rollout reaches individual communities. Until then, the 25,000-resident figure is best read as the intended scale of the programme, not proof of universal service across Battambang province.