Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 51 views

Introduction

Waste management in urban areas is a pressing issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of the generation, characteristics, composition, and heat values of waste. In this study, we focus on two sub-districts in Medan City, namely Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District. Our research aims to provide a clear picture of the conditions of waste management in these two regions, using the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 19-3946-1995 as a reference.

Methodology

Our research method involves collecting and analyzing data on household waste generation, composition, characteristics, and heat values in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District. We collected data from a total of 100 households in each district, using a combination of surveys, observations, and laboratory tests. The data was then analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends and patterns in waste generation and characteristics.

Results

Waste Generation

The average waste generation in Medan Helvetia District was recorded at 0.14 kg per person per day, or approximately 1.82 liters. In contrast, the average waste weight in Medan Selayang District reached 0.16 kg per person per day, or 2.21 liters. This indicates that Medan Selayang District produces more garbage compared to Medan Helvetia District per individual.

Waste Composition

The most dominant household waste composition in Medan Helvetia District is organic waste, which accounts for 72.25% of the total composition. In Medan Selayang District, organic waste contributes 66.23% of the total composition of waste. This highlights the high proportion of organic waste in both districts, which poses a challenge in waste management, particularly in processing and reuse.

Physical Characteristics

In terms of physical characteristics, the average compaction factor in Medan Helvetia District is 1.24, while in Medan Selayang District, it is 1.27. The compaction factor is crucial in understanding how waste will be handled and processed. A higher compaction factor indicates denser waste, which can make it more difficult to handle and may affect transportation and processing costs.

Chemical Characteristics

The chemical characteristics of waste indicate a variety of water content. In Medan Helvetia District, organic water content is recorded at 44.96%, while inorganic waste has a water content of 25.39%. In Medan Selayang District, organic water content is 50.02%, with inorganic water content of 24.83%. High water content in organic waste can complicate processing and accelerate the decay process.

Volatile Levels

For volatile levels, organic waste in Medan Helvetia District has a volatile content of 55.08%, while inorganic waste reaches 94.26%. The same trend is observed in Medan Selayang District, where organic volatility levels are 48.23%, and inorganic waste is 94.80%. This volatile level provides an overview of the energy potential that can be produced from waste if managed properly, particularly through energy-generating technology from waste.

Heat Values

The heat value of household waste produced from the two districts shows the potential for using waste as an energy source. In Medan Helvetia District, the heat value of organic waste is recorded at 2464 kcal/kg, while the heat value of inorganic waste is 4208 kcal/kg. In Medan Selayang District, the heat value of organic waste is 2165 kcal/kg, and inorganic waste is 4232 kcal/kg. This high heat value indicates that inorganic waste has better potential as an energy source if managed appropriately.

Conclusion

This research provides important insights for the government and related parties in designing more effective waste management strategies. Understanding the characteristics and composition of waste can help in developing sustainable management programs, including reducing waste generation, separating waste at the source, and using waste for renewable energy. Good waste management not only reduces environmental impacts but can also improve the quality of life of the community in both districts.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, we recommend the following:

Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs in both districts to reduce the amount of waste generated and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Developing a waste management infrastructure that includes waste collection, transportation, and processing facilities to handle the increasing amount of waste generated in both districts.
Promoting the use of waste as an energy source through the development of energy-generating technology from waste, such as biogas or bio-oil production.
Educating the community on the importance of proper waste management and the benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.

By implementing these recommendations, we can reduce the environmental impacts of waste management in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District and improve the quality of life of the community in both areas.

Q: What is the average waste generation in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: The average waste generation in Medan Helvetia District is 0.14 kg per person per day, while in Medan Selayang District, it is 0.16 kg per person per day.

Q: What is the most dominant household waste composition in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: The most dominant household waste composition in Medan Helvetia District is organic waste, which accounts for 72.25% of the total composition. In Medan Selayang District, organic waste contributes 66.23% of the total composition of waste.

Q: What is the average compaction factor in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: The average compaction factor in Medan Helvetia District is 1.24, while in Medan Selayang District, it is 1.27.

Q: What is the water content of organic and inorganic waste in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: In Medan Helvetia District, organic water content is 44.96%, while inorganic waste has a water content of 25.39%. In Medan Selayang District, organic water content is 50.02%, with inorganic water content of 24.83%.

Q: What are the volatile levels of organic and inorganic waste in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: For volatile levels, organic waste in Medan Helvetia District has a volatile content of 55.08%, while inorganic waste reaches 94.26%. The same trend is observed in Medan Selayang District, where organic volatility levels are 48.23%, and inorganic waste is 94.80%.

Q: What are the heat values of organic and inorganic waste in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: In Medan Helvetia District, the heat value of organic waste is recorded at 2464 kcal/kg, while the heat value of inorganic waste is 4208 kcal/kg. In Medan Selayang District, the heat value of organic waste is 2165 kcal/kg, and inorganic waste is 4232 kcal/kg.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for waste management in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: The study's findings highlight the need for effective waste management strategies in both districts, including reducing waste generation, separating waste at the source, and using waste for renewable energy. Good waste management can reduce environmental impacts and improve the quality of life of the community in both districts.

Q: What are the recommendations for implementing effective waste management strategies in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: Based on the study's findings, we recommend implementing waste reduction and recycling programs, developing a waste management infrastructure, promoting the use of waste as an energy source, and educating the community on the importance of proper waste management.

Q: How can the study's findings be used to inform policy and decision-making in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District?

A: The study's findings can be used to inform policy and decision-making in Medan Helvetia District and Medan Selayang District by providing a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and composition of household waste in both districts. This information can be used to develop effective waste management strategies and policies that address the specific needs and challenges of each district.