End-of-Life Product Management
Solar Photovoltaic and Electric Vehicle
Sectors in Cambodia

"End-of-Life Product Management: Solar Photovoltaic and Electric Vehicle Sectors in Cambodia" is a study examining how Cambodia should prepare for the coming wave of e-waste generated by its growing clean energy (CE) sector — specifically solar PV systems and electric vehicles. The report combines a baseline assessment of current solar/EV deployment, a 2020–2050 forecast of e-waste volumes, a regional ASEAN benchmark (Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand), and a set of strategic recommendations for the Royal Government of Cambodia.

The study's two guiding research questions are:
  • Is e-waste generation a reason to slow down the Clean Energy transition in Cambodia?
  • How can Clean Energy instead foster improvement and innovation in e-waste management?
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Key Findings
Current situation

  • Cambodia generated ~43 kt of e-waste in 2024 (~2.5 kg/capita), with minimal formal collection and heavy reliance on informal recyclers/exporters.
  • Clean energy (CE) e-waste was ~3.1 kt in 2024 — just 1.8% of total e-waste.
  • Solar farms dominate CE e-waste (66% of weight).
Future projections (by 2050)

  • CE e-waste will surge from 2040 onward, reaching ~350,000 metric tons cumulatively by 2050.
  • EV batteries: ~54% of total CE e-waste by 2050.
  • Solar panels: ~28% of total CE e-waste by 2050.
  • CE share of Cambodia's total e-waste rises from 1.8% today to 7–9.5% by 2050.
  • Framed as an opportunity to act early, not a reason to slow the energy transition.
Recycling landscape

  • Almost no formal in-country recycling capacity; e-waste mostly stored, landfilled, or informally exported.
  • Singapore leads ASEAN on e-waste policy/recycling; Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand are mid-stage.
Recommended strategy

  1. Short-to-mid-term (now–~2045): Collect domestically, prioritize repair/refurbishment/reuse, export remainder for recycling.
  2. Long-term (2045+): Build full domestic recycling infrastructure once volumes justify it, backed by an EPR system (especially for EV batteries).
Top recommendations

  • Develop an EPR system, prioritizing EV batteries.
  • Lead regional cooperation and secure formal export/recycling agreements.
  • Strengthen e-waste import/export quality controls.
  • Launch TVET training programs on e-waste management.
  • Pilot a collection/sorting/reuse facility.
  • Run public awareness campaigns.
  • Engage development partners (UNDP, ADB, JICA, GIZ) for funding/support.