The residents of RW 13, Tiban Baru, demonstrate environmental stewardship with their enthusiastic participation in the Waste Savings Movement, turning recyclables into savings.
The Waste Bank of RW 13, under the management of Nilayanti, has been a hub for residents to deposit their recyclable waste, fostering a culture of sustainability. This movement isn’t just about trash; it’s about changing mindsets and making environmental responsibility a community effort.
Starting 13 months ago, the waste bank educates locals to segregate waste at their homes and deposit it in exchange for monetary savings. “We usually agree with the residents if they want to withdraw their savings or accumulate them,” shared Nilayanti.
The trash deposited is methodically categorized by weight and type, with meticulous records kept on daily transactions. Every month, the collected waste is handed over to the primary waste bank managed by the Batam City Environmental Agency.
On average, the community collects between 300 to 400 kilograms of recyclable waste monthly, ranging from bottles, plastic containers, to cardboard. These recyclables have the potential to be transformed into valuable crafts, but local residents will require training to unlock this potential.
Dinas Lingkungan Hidup (DLH) of Batam City stresses the importance of the Waste Bank Program to sustain the environment. Although the program’s economic incentive might seem minimal, its environmental impact is substantial. The current goal is to achieve a 30% reduction in household waste by 2025.
Despite the economic value being minor (Rp2,000 per kilogram), the long-term environmental benefits are emphasized. The focus isn’t on the amount saved, but on the environmental consciousness it promotes. Rozie, from DLH Batam City, states that efforts are underway to raise awareness about this program, providing services like trash pick-up to further encourage participation.
This grassroots initiative in Batam underscores Southeast Asia’s broader push towards sustainability and environmental consciousness. For neighbors in Singapore and international visitors, such community-driven efforts highlight the region’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, serving as an inspiring model for other communities globally.
Tiban Baru’s RW 13 community is setting a sustainable example by turning trash into cash savings through a local waste bank initiative. While the economic incentive remains small, the environmental implications are vast, with the broader goal of promoting a cleaner, waste-reduced Batam by 2025.
Source: GoKepri (2023)
