Empowerment of a Clean and Healthy Environment through the Kampung Bugel Salam Waste Bank RT 02/RW 02

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Bekasi Regency, West Java — Empowerment of a Clean and Healthy Environment through the Kampung Bugel Salam RT 02/RW 02 Waste Bank. This research was conducted by Supini, Abdul Aziiz Maulana, Aa Setiawan, Euis Sri Mulyani, Muhammad Rofi, Mulyanni Hasbiyah, Nasrulloh Muhammad Noor Suryadi Putra, Nurmalasari, Nining Khirunnisa, Nimas Safitri, Pranowo, and Setia Azmulkhoer from Panca Sakti University Bekasi, and published in the Formosa Community Service Journal (JPMF) in 2026.

Research conducted by Supini, Abdul Aziiz Maulana, Aa Setiawan, Euis Sri Mulyani, Muhammad Rofi, Mulyanni Hasbiyah, Nasrulloh Muhammad Noor Suryadi Putra, Nurmalasari, Nining Khirunnisa, Nimas Safitri, Pranowo, and Setia Azmulkhoer revealed that the community-based empowerment approach through waste banks is able to increase environmental literacy, encourage behavior change, and open up local economic opportunities through more systematic waste management.

Household waste as an urban environmental challenge

The problem of household waste is still a major issue in densely populated areas, including in Kampung Bugel Salam. Before the program started, most residents were not used to separating waste, while the practice of throwing or burning waste directly was still common. This condition has the potential to cause environmental pollution and increase public health risks.

The research team from Panca Sakti University Bekasi assessed that the waste problem could not be solved only through technical approaches such as the provision of facilities. Changing people's behavior and strengthening community participation are key factors for the success of sustainable environmental management.

The waste bank was then chosen as a strategy because it was able to combine aspects of environmental education, social participation, and economic benefits in one community-based system.

Participatory approach: society as the main actor

The "Hegar Hijau" Waste Bank program is designed with a community-based empowerment approach that places residents as the main actors. The community was involved from the early stages through needs surveys, group discussions, and the formation of a waste bank organizational structure.

The main activities carried out include:

  1. Socialization of the importance of environmental cleanliness and the economic value of waste.
  2. Training on organic and inorganic waste sorting.
  3. The establishment of waste bank management and the division of operational tasks.
  4. Simulation of a waste weight-based savings system.
  5. Regular assistance and evaluation to maintain the sustainability of the program.

Real change: from awareness to economic benefits

The study found several significant changes after the program was running, which are as follows:

1.      There has been an increase in public knowledge about the types of waste and its impact on the environment. Practical education makes residents better understand the importance of sorting from the household.

2.      The level of citizen participation increased. People began to routinely deposit inorganic waste into waste banks, engage in weighing activities, and follow the waste savings recording system.

3.      Economic benefits emerge even though they are still on a small scale. Waste that was previously worthless can now be sold to collectors, providing additional income for residents while introducing the concept of a circular economy.

In addition, this program also has an impact on improving environmental cleanliness. The volume of waste that is disposed of directly into the environment is reduced, thus helping to reduce the potential for soil, water, and air pollution.

The challenge of changing people's habits

Although it showed positive results, the study also noted a number of challenges. The old habits of the community that are difficult to change are the main obstacles in maintaining the consistency of waste sorting. Not all residents can participate regularly due to limited time and daily activities.

The research team emphasized the importance of continuous mentoring and support from the village government and other stakeholders. Strengthening waste bank institutions and increasing community management capacity are considered important factors so that the program can survive in the long term.

 

Implications for environmental policy and community empowerment

The results of this study provide an important message for environmental management at the local level. Waste banks not only serve as a technical solution for waste reduction, but also as a means of social development that strengthens citizen solidarity and increases community independence.

The researchers recommend several strategic steps, including:

        Integration of environmental education in routine community activities.

        Preparation of village regulations related to waste sorting.

        Development of an incentive system for active citizens.

  Collaboration with universities, NGOs, and the private sector through CSR programs.

        Digitization of waste bank records to increase transparency.

Author profile

Supini, Abdul Aziiz Maulana, Aa Setiawan, Euis Sri Mulyani, Muhammad Rofi, Mulyanni Hasbiyah, Nasrulloh Muhammad Noor Suryadi Putra, Nurmalasari, Nining Khirunnisa, Nimas Safitri, Pranowo, and Setia Azmulkhoer - from Panca Sakti University Bekasi 

Research source

Supini, Maulana, A. A., Setiawan, A., Mulyani, E. S., Rofi, M., Hasbiyah, M., Putra, N. M. N. S., Nurmalasari, Khirunnisa, N., Safitri, N., Pranowo, & Azmulkhoer, S. (2026).

Journal of Community Service Formosa (JPMF), Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 25–36.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jpmf.v5i1.117

Official URL: https://ntlformosapublisher.org/index.php/jpmf

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