Cambodia Backs German Battery Waste Project as Only 15% of Used Batteries Are Collected
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment has expressed strong support for a new German-backed battery waste management project aimed at improving the collection and recycling of used batteries across the country.
The initiative comes as Cambodia faces growing environmental concerns linked to hazardous battery waste, with officials revealing that only around 15% of imported batteries are currently being collected for safe treatment and disposal.
Growing Concern Over Battery Waste
According to preliminary research cited by the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia imports more than 400 tons of batteries every year. However, only about 60 tons of used batteries are recovered and processed safely, leaving the majority discarded with regular household waste.
Environmental experts warn that improperly disposed batteries can release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into soil and water systems, posing long-term risks to public health and ecosystems.
To address the issue, Cambodia is now supporting the BATTPRO project, a sustainable battery collection and recycling initiative developed by German company ECOLOGICON GmbH.
Cambodia and Germany Strengthen Environmental Cooperation
The project was discussed during a meeting between Cambodian Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth, German Ambassador to Cambodia Stefan Messerer, and representatives from ECOLOGICON GmbH at the Ministry of Environment on May 25, 2026.
Both sides exchanged views on plans to establish a nationwide system for collecting, storing, and recycling battery waste using modern environmental technologies and circular economy principles.
Minister Eang Sophalleth described the initiative as an important step toward improving Cambodia’s environmental cleanliness and reducing pollution risks.
He said the project aligns with Cambodia’s environmental strategy and government policies focused on public health protection and sustainable waste management.
Focus on Electronic and EV Battery Recycling
The Cambodian government is also encouraging the project to expand beyond household batteries by addressing electronic waste and larger energy storage systems.
Officials specifically highlighted the importance of developing proper treatment systems for:
Electric vehicle batteries
Solar energy storage batteries
Electronic waste components
Hazardous industrial battery materials
The ministry stressed that proper technical management of these waste streams will become increasingly important as Cambodia adopts more renewable energy technologies and electric transportation in the future.
Public Collection Bins Expanding Across Cambodia
As part of ongoing efforts to improve battery waste management, the Ministry of Environment has already begun installing used battery collection bins in public areas, shopping malls, and fuel stations in Phnom Penh and several provinces.
The campaign also aims to educate the public about the environmental and health dangers of throwing batteries into normal garbage bins.
Authorities hope improved public awareness and easier access to disposal points will significantly increase collection rates in the coming years.
Germany Continues Supporting Cambodia’s Green Development
German Ambassador Stefan Messerer reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s environmental protection and sustainable development goals.
He said Germany would continue cooperating with Cambodia on projects that promote cleaner living conditions, better environmental management, and long-term economic sustainability.
The BATTPRO initiative is expected to introduce advanced German technical expertise and help Cambodia establish a modern circular economy system for hazardous battery and electronic waste management.
Environmental officials believe the project could become a major milestone in Cambodia’s efforts to reduce pollution while preparing for a greener and more sustainable future.
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