In Serang, Bank Sampah Digital was set up in 2020 by local residents to tackle the town's waste management challenges. Led by Desty Eka Putri Sari, in 2022 the organization had formed a strategic partnership with Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Serang mill, a unit of APP, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
The Serang environment office reports that the city generates an overwhelming 800-1,000 tonnes of trash daily. However, local agencies can only manage to process about 300 tonnes each day, leaving a substantial amount of waste unaddressed. This gap underscores the need for innovative solutions like Bank Sampah Digital. Through their partnership, Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Serang mill receives approximately 5-8 tonnes of paper waste per month from the community. While this may seem modest compared to the mill's daily requirement of 4,000 tonnes for brown paper production, the impact is far from negligible. The mill pays a rate significantly higher than what local junkmen offer per kilogram of paper.
This arrangement provides a valuable source of income for the women who collect waste from their homes, turning trash into a side income.
The efforts of Bank Sampah Digital have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the program received recognition from the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. At the National Waste Awareness Festival, the initiative was lauded as one of the best Waste Banks in the country. The ministry also acknowledged its significant contribution to the circular economy in Indonesia, highlighting the program's role in promoting sustainable waste management practices.
In 2024, the mill further demonstrated its commitment by contributing a pickup truck to aid in waste collection. This vehicle helps in streamlining operations, ensuring that collected waste is efficiently transported to sorting points. Moreover, the mill actively engages with the community, educating local residents on effective waste sorting techniques. By teaching them how to flatten paper packages and boxes, they can maximize the weight and value of the waste they collect.
Currently, there are 245 pickup points across Serang, but the vision extends far beyond this. They have committed to establishing 1,000 pickup points throughout the city, a testament to their dedication to expanding the program's reach and impact. This expansion is crucial for addressing the city's waste management challenges more effectively and ensuring that more residents can participate in the program.
Dani Kusumah, the head of CSR at Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Serang mill, said: "The community now knows that there is economic value in waste sorting. Sorted waste can generate monetary value and it also greatly reduces the load of the city waste collectors."
Bank Sampah Digital's efforts align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). By promoting waste sorting and recycling, the program contributes to reducing the environmental impact of waste and fostering a more sustainable future.
The program's success is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and strategic partnerships. By working together, Bank Sampah Digital and Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Serang mill have created a model that not only addresses waste management challenges but also provides economic benefits to the local community. As Bank Sampah Digital continues to grow, it serves as an example for other communities facing similar challenges.