Informal Waste Collectors in Cambodia
Living conditions, socio-economic status, violence, and social protection
The “Informal Waste Collectors in Cambodia: Living Conditions, Socio-Economic Status, Violence and Social Protection,” examines the realities faced by informal waste collectors who work outside formal employment systems as self-employed workers.
In Cambodia, informal waste collectors play a vital yet often unrecognized role in waste management and environmental protection. However, due to the informal nature of their work and their low socio-economic status, they remain highly vulnerable, marginalized, and excluded from essential services and protection systems.
Conducted by Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA) with support from ActionAid Cambodia and Australian Aid, this study aims to provide evidence to inform policy, legal frameworks, and practical interventions that can improve the lives and protection of informal waste collectors across the country.
What the Study Explores
The research looks closely at:
- Living conditions and socio-economic status of informal waste collectors
- Debt patterns, risks, and coping strategies used in daily work
- Access to essential services, especially social protection mechanisms
- The suitability and affordability of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) schemes for informal waste collectors
- Barriers that prevent informal workers from enrolling in and contributing to social protection schemes
- Gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination experienced by women waste collectors in their workplaces
Why This Research Matters
By documenting their lived experiences, this report contributes to:
- Stronger policy dialogue on informal economy workers
- Improved social protection coverage for vulnerable workers
- Recognition of the critical role informal waste collectors play in Cambodian society
- Development of targeted and inclusive legal and policy frameworks
Acknowledgement
This study would not have been possible without the participation of informal waste collectors who generously shared their experiences.
Read the Reports
- 📘 Full Research Report (Khmer)
- 📄 Brief Report (Khmer and English)
Disclaimer:
This research has been funded by the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). The views expressed in this publication are the author's alone and are not necessarily the views of ANCP.