What Comes to Mind When You Hear the Word “Garbage”?

Dirty, unsightly, foul-smelling, and unpleasant—these are likely the first thoughts that cross our minds when we hear the word “garbage.” Garbage refers to waste materials generated by human activities or natural processes that no longer hold value or are no longer desired. It can be organic, such as food scraps and leaves, or inorganic, such as plastic, glass, and metal.

The accumulation of waste has become an increasingly urgent environmental issue. Population growth, urbanization, and rising consumption have led to a surge in waste production. However, the critical question remains: who is responsible for managing this waste?

Where Does Garbage Come From?

The waste problem has existed since humans first settled in communities. In prehistoric times, people lived nomadically, generating minimal waste. However, with the rise of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Rome, growing populations led to increased waste production. The 19th-century Industrial Revolution accelerated both population growth and consumerism, significantly increasing waste generation. In the modern era, particularly since the widespread use of plastic in the mid-20th century, the waste problem has become even more complex due to the abundance of non-biodegradable materials.

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in 2023, the country generates approximately 69.9 million tons of waste annually, or about 191,500 tons per day. On average, each individual in Indonesia produces around 0.68 kilograms of waste per day. Of the total waste generated, about 63.3% is properly managed, while 35.67% remains unprocessed and unregulated.

What Types of Waste Accumulate the Most, and What Are the Consequences?

The most commonly found waste types include plastic waste, organic waste, paper and cardboard, metal and glass, and electronic waste. Additionally, hazardous and toxic waste (B3) is sometimes encountered. Among these, plastic waste is the most concerning due to its extremely slow decomposition—it can take hundreds of years to break down naturally.

If waste continues to accumulate without proper management, it can lead to severe environmental, health, and economic consequences. These include:

• Environmental pollution (soil, water, and air contamination)
• Health hazards (increased risk of diseases such as dengue fever, cholera, diarrhea, and skin infections)
• Urban flooding (due to clogged drainage systems, particularly from plastic waste)
• Greenhouse gas emissions (such as methane, which contributes to global warming)

Improperly managed waste pollutes soil, water, and air. Waste dumped into the ocean threatens marine ecosystems, while decomposing organic waste releases pollutants that contaminate natural resources. Additionally, garbage accumulation creates breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests such as mosquitoes, rats, and flies, which contribute to outbreaks of infectious diseases.

From an economic standpoint, inefficient waste management imposes a financial burden on both governments and local communities. Furthermore, areas littered with garbage tend to lose their appeal for tourism and investment.

What Government Policies Have Been Implemented to Address This Issue?

The Indonesian government has introduced various policies at both national and regional levels to address waste accumulation. These include:

• Law No. 18 of 2008 on Waste Management
• Presidential Regulation No. 97 of 2017 on the National Waste Management Policy and Strategy, which aims to reduce waste by 30% and properly manage 70% of waste by 2025
• Ministerial Regulation No. 75 of 2019 on the Roadmap for Waste Reduction by Producers

Additionally, several national initiatives have been launched, such as:

• The Indonesia Clean Movement (Gerakan Indonesia Bersih – GIB)
• Waste Bank Programs
• Single-use plastic reduction policies (implemented in shopping centers and public spaces)
• Community-driven environmental programs

While these efforts may have contributed to reducing waste accumulation in the short term, have they truly led to a lasting behavioral change in society?

What Can We Do to Prevent Waste from Accumulating?

Each of us can play a role in waste reduction by practicing responsible consumption—choosing environmentally friendly products and minimizing the use of disposable items. Concrete steps include:

• Bringing reusable shopping bags
• Using refillable water bottles and food containers
• Opting for minimal or recyclable packaging
• Shopping wisely to avoid unnecessary purchases and excessive waste
• Sorting household waste for recycling
• Supporting sustainable local products
• Participating in waste bank and recycling programs

By adopting conscious and responsible consumption habits, we can help reduce waste accumulation and preserve ecological balance for future generations.

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is a shared responsibility, and every small action we take can lead to significant change. Let’s start by raising awareness about the importance of cleanliness, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources. We can encourage family members, friends, and communities to be more environmentally conscious by:

• Disposing of waste properly
• Reducing plastic usage
• Planting trees to improve air quality

By working together and supporting one another, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more livable environment. Remember, the choices we make today will shape the future of our planet. Let’s take action now for a greener and healthier world!

Contributor:

Ahmad Rifa’i