Influence of a community-based waste management system on people's behavior and waste reduction

An investigation was carried out concerning the effects of Community Based Waste Management (CBWM) systems on people's attitude toward waste management within (Semarang City) Indonesia and the waste flow in areas with CBWM, in order to identify its benefits and challenges.A questionnaire survey was performed in Bukit Kencana Jaya (BKJ) where CBWM had been previously implemented, as well as three areas currently practicing typical waste management: Graha Estetika (S1), Banteng Selatan area (S2), and Genuk Sari area (S3). The results indicated less occurrences of inappropriate waste handling behavior such as backyard burning and throwing waste on the road side or into the river in BKJ, when compared with other areas employing traditional waste management. The cross-correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between the income levels in areas S1 and S3 and people's willingness to separate their waste together with a close correlation between education and willingness to cooperate in S3.From the waste flow analysis, it was found that a reduction in the order of 33% could be achieved in household waste transported to landfill sites. In reality, however, the overall amount of waste delivered to landfill sites has augmented due to increases in collected waste.Compost market development and improvements in compost production are necessary to further reduce landfill waste.

► An investigation was carried out concerning the effects of CBWM systems in Indonesia.
► Less occurrences of inappropriate waste handling behavior with a CBWM system was found.
► A strong relationship between the income levels and the education levels with people's willingness to separate their waste.
► From the waste flow analysis 33% of MSW could be recycled by CBWM.