Indonesia is facing a real environmental problem with plastic. The country generates around 175,000 tons of waste, where approximately 40% of it comes from domestic waste, which increased during the pandemic.

The creation of waste management facilities establishing Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (TPS 3R) is used to use the resources better. It involves different actors, such as society, having the active role of the committee and the government.

Until 2021, there have been 1,200 waste management facilities (TPS 3R) built in all areas in Indonesia. The region of Bogor counts 14 TPE 3Rs; however, there is a lack of efficiency and results from most of them. 

After evaluation research of TPS 3R functionality at the end of 2019, there were 3 TPS 3Rs which became the target of assistance. Therefore, DOW Indonesia and Waste4change are present to assist and develop the 3 locations for one year. 

There are three main objectives of the program:

1) Establishing a circular economic ecosystem;

2) Establishing responsible and sustainable waste management in TPS 3R;

3) Documenting lessons learn as sharing knowledge materials.

The case study focuses on objective 1: building a circular economy ecosystem. The aim is “to reduce waste and pollution, extend the product and materials usage time, and bolster the natural regeneration system”. 

To improve the effectiveness of the facilities, the project highlighted and made some significant changes: 

* Creation of a structure with distinct roles and functions in the committee. It ensures a good flow of coordination

* Strengthen the institution with:

- Strong coordination between the different levels of government

- Increase the control on the population with the implementation of sanctions/incentives toward inhabitants 

- Regularly evaluate the waste management in the locations

* Renovating the buildings to work in better condition and will decrease the unbearable smell

* Include Organic waste for maggots, Composter, and Organic infiltration holes

* Increase the community participation and knowledge through workshops and education 

The outcome of the project is positive. The results from the 3 PTS 3Rs locations have been improved. Based on the target goals for the three facilities, the waste reduction and recycling rate have largely upgraded: by 22.75% for the minimum, going to 60.93% in the best case.

Photo by Jasmin Sessler on Unsplash