Enri Damanhuri

The Role of Informal Collectors of Recyclable Waste and Used Goods in Indonesia

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a problem in Indonesia, particularly in big cities, and is one of the most challenging urban issues for city administrators. Population growth and everincreasing activities in major cities mean the increase of waste generation and all the inherent consequences. It was estimated that of the entire urban wastes generated in 2006, at most only around 60% to 70% could be transported to final disposal by the institutions responsible for handling wastes. The community were expected to handle the rest themselves.

Evaluation of waste recycling potential in Bandung Municipal Solid Waste

This research is aimed at investigating solid waste recycling potential of Bandung Municipality (Indonesia). Results showed that the estimated MSW generated in Bandung City in 2005 was 1551 tonnes/day (6,332 m³/day based on density in handcart) or 0.59 kg/capita-day. The estimated waste recycling and composting by stakeholders have not achieved 8% (weight) from total waste generated. Like in any other major city in developing countries, the informal sectors play an important role in any recovery effort over the usable materials of waste. Recycling activities of these sectors, however, have not achieved 4% of total weight waste generated.