The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has told Phnom Penh residents and businesses not to dispose of waste during the three-day Pchum Ben public holiday because staff of waste collecting companies will also take time off.

In an announcement on October 1, the municipality said that during the public holiday from October 5-7, staff from the three waste collection companies – SuperGAEA (Cambodia), Mizuda Sanitation (Cambodia) and Cintri/Everbright – will return to their home provinces. As a result, waste collection in the capital will be irregular.

“Therefore, to keep the beauty, hygiene and good environment in the capital, we appeal to all residents, owners of businesses and services to understand the situation and not dump waste on streets during this holiday.

“Please keep waste at your home temporarily until October 9,” it said.