Recycling Infrastructures in Cambodia: Circularity, Waste, and Urban Life in Phnom Penh

A novel study on the recycling infrastructure in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, explores the concept of 'infracycles' and postcolonial politics to understand predominant urban-waste fantasies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A novel study on the recycling infrastructure in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, explores the intricate relationship between 'infracycles' and postcolonial politics, shedding light on the predominant urban-waste fantasies that shape the city's waste management practices.

The study delves into the complex dynamics of waste generation, collection, and disposal in Phnom Penh, highlighting the role of colonialism, globalization, and local politics in shaping the city's waste management system. It examines the historical legacies of colonialism and the subsequent influence of globalization on waste management practices, as well as the ways in which these factors have contributed to the emergence of dominant urban-waste fantasies.

Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study identifies key stakeholders involved in the recycling infrastructure, including government agencies, private companies, and community organizations. It analyzes the policies, regulations, and incentives that govern waste management in the city, as well as the challenges and opportunities that these stakeholders face in implementing sustainable waste management practices.

One of the key findings of the study is that the predominant urban-waste fantasies in Phnom Penh are heavily influenced by Western cultural norms and values. The city's waste management practices are often guided by the notion that waste is a commodity that can be extracted, processed, and disposed of in a linear fashion, without considering the environmental and social impacts of such practices. This notion is reinforced by the city's infrastructure, which is designed to accommodate the efficient processing and disposal of waste, rather than promoting sustainable practices.

Another finding of the study is that postcolonial politics play a significant role in shaping the dominant urban-waste fantasies in Phnom Penh. The city's history of colonization and the subsequent influence of globalization have created a complex power dynamic that shapes the ways in which waste is managed and perceived. For example, the city's government agencies are often heavily influenced by the interests of foreign investors and multinational corporations, which prioritize the efficient processing and disposal of waste over sustainable practices.

To address the challenges posed by dominant urban-waste fantasies, the study proposes a range of interventions. These include promoting sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling and composting, and increasing public awareness and education about waste management. The study also calls for the development of more inclusive and participatory waste management policies and regulations that prioritize the needs and interests of local communities.

In conclusion, this novel study on the recycling infrastructure in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between 'infracycles' and postcolonial politics, shedding light on the predominant urban-waste fantasies that shape the city's waste management practices. By promoting sustainable waste management practices and increasing public awareness and education, the study aims to contribute to the development of a more sustainable and equitable waste management system in Phnom Penh and beyond.
A novel study on the recycling infrastructure in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, explores the intricate relationship between 'infracycles' and postcolonial politics, shedding light on the predominant urban-waste fantasies that shape the city's waste management practices.

The study delves into the complex dynamics of waste generation, collection, and disposal in Phnom Penh, highlighting the role of colonialism, globalization, and local politics in shaping the city's waste management system. It examines the historical legacies of colonialism and the subsequent influence of globalization on waste management practices, as well as the ways in which these factors have contributed to the emergence of dominant urban-waste fantasies.

Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study identifies key stakeholders involved in the recycling infrastructure, including government agencies, private companies, and community organizations. It analyzes the policies, regulations, and incentives that govern waste management in the city, as well as the challenges and opportunities that these stakeholders face in implementing sustainable waste management practices.

One of the key findings of the study is that the predominant urban-waste fantasies in Phnom Penh are heavily influenced by Western cultural norms and values. The city's waste management practices are often guided by the notion that waste is a commodity that can be extracted, processed, and disposed of in a linear fashion, without considering the environmental and social impacts of such practices. This notion is reinforced by the city's infrastructure, which is designed to accommodate the efficient processing and disposal of waste, rather than promoting sustainable practices.

Another finding of the study is that postcolonial politics play a significant role in shaping the dominant urban-waste fantasies in Phnom Penh. The city's history of colonization and the subsequent influence of globalization have created a complex power dynamic that shapes the ways in which waste is managed and perceived. For example, the city's government agencies are often heavily influenced by the interests of foreign investors and multinational corporations, which prioritize the efficient processing and disposal of waste over sustainable practices.

To address the challenges posed by dominant urban-waste fantasies, the study proposes a range of interventions. These include promoting sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling and composting, and increasing public awareness and education about waste management. The study also calls for the development of more inclusive and participatory waste management policies and regulations that prioritize the needs and interests of local communities.

In conclusion, this novel study on the recycling infrastructure in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between 'infracycles' and postcolonial politics, shedding light on the predominant urban-waste fantasies that shape the city's waste management practices. By promoting sustainable waste management practices and increasing public awareness and education, the study aims to contribute to the development of a more sustainable and equitable waste management system in Phnom Penh and beyond.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032154664