Empowering the community through plastic waste management and eco-friendly construction materials in Bangunjiwo Village

Abstract

This study addresses the critical issue of plastic waste management in Bangunjiwo Village, Yogyakarta. With Indonesia generating 22.92 million tons of waste in 2023, and plastic waste constituting 19% of this total, effective management solutions are essential. The program involved socialization through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and evaluation using questionnaires. The FGD sessions educated 23 community leaders on waste management technologies and the potential use of plastic waste in eco-friendly construction materials. Evaluation results showed that over 57% of participants had a strong understanding and awareness of the negative impacts of plastic waste and the importance of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). Additionally, more than 52% strongly agreed on the importance of recycling and innovative plastic waste processing. The high willingness to participate in waste reduction and management initiatives highlights significant potential for implementing plastic waste recycling programs in the village. Continuous education and the provision of appropriate processing technologies can transform plastic waste into valuable, sustainable construction materials, supporting both environmental conservation and local infrastructure development. This study underscores the crucial role of community participation and ongoing education in achieving effective plastic waste management.