Reforming MSWM in Sukunan (Yogjakarta, Indonesia): A case-study ofapplying a zero-waste approach based on circular economy paradigm

Abstract

Over the past years, Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, has confronted environmentalproblems due to uncontrolled generation of municipal solid waste (MSW). While the integrated solidwaste management (ISWM) represents a critical strategy for Indonesia to control its production, it is alsorecognized that economic approaches also need to be promoted to address the waste problemconcertedly. In this case study, empirical approaches are developed to understand how a volume-basedwaste fee could be incorporated into MSW collection services and how to apply a zero-waste approach inIndonesia by adapting resource recovery initiatives, adapted from Germany’s mature experiences inintegrating the CE paradigm into the latter’s MSWM practices. Currently, Sukunan village (Yogyakarta,Indonesia) promotes waste reduction at sources in the framework of community-based solid wastemanagement (CBSWM) by mobilizing the local community for waste separation (organic and non-organic) and waste recycling. As a result, about 0.2 million Mt of CO2-eqemissions was avoided annu-ally from local landfills. The economic benefits of recycling activities by the village’s community alsoresulted in 30% reduction of the waste generated. This CBSWM scheme not only saves the governmentbudget on waste collection, transport and disposal, but also extends the lifetime of local landfills as thefinal disposal sites. By integrating the CE paradigm into its MSWM practices through the implementationof economic instruments and adherence to the rule of law in the same way as Germany does, Indonesiacould make positive changes to its environmental policy and regulation of MSW. A sound MSWM inIndonesia could play important roles in promoting the effectiveness of urban development with resourcerecovery approaches to facilitate its transition towards a CE nationwide in the long-term