Promoting urban organic waste utilization in developing Asian countries: the case of Cambodia and Thailand

This paper reviews current status of urban solid waste management in Cambodia and Thailand, and describes three urban organic waste utilization projects based on composting and anaerobic digestion. The multiple benefits of these three case studies are analysed, including the effects on solid waste management, agriculture and food production, energy, employment, and climate change mitigation. In addition, the article identified major challenges and key factors for more widespread use of composting and anaerobic digestion in the study countries. Finally, the article made a number of policy recommendations on how to promote extension of organic waste utilization practices and to enhance benefits sharing among stakeholders.