BANGKA BARAT -- PT Timah Tbk employees, together with residents near the Division Processing and Refinery Housing Complex, demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship by actively supporting the operations of the Tanjung Elok Bersahabat Waste Bank in Tanjung Subdistrict, Mentok, West Bangka, on Saturday (July 19, 2025).
As part of their concern for the environment, employees and local residents voluntarily delivered sorted household waste to the Tanjung Elok Bersahabat Waste Bank. This initiative not only helps reduce plastic waste but also offers economic value to the community.
PT Timah’s environmental commitment goes beyond internal policies—it also empowers communities in its operational areas. The company has provided various forms of support, including trash bins, waste transport vehicles, beach clean-up activities, and assistance in establishing community waste banks.
The Tanjung Elok Bersahabat Waste Bank is one of PT Timah’s supported community programs. Its presence is expected to encourage more people to manage their waste responsibly and reduce environmental impact.
The program encourages residents to become “customers” by depositing sorted waste—such as plastic, aluminum, metal, copper, and paper. The waste is weighed and recorded in a savings account, which can later be exchanged for cash or basic necessities.
Bambang Setiabudi, manager of the Tanjung Elok Bersahabat Waste Bank, said community interest continues to grow.
“We open every Saturday, and there are always new residents registering as customers. The waste is weighed and added to their personal account. Each material has a different value, and the balance can be exchanged for food items,” he explained.
Maya Soraya, a PT Timah employee and resident of the Division Processing and Refinery complex, shared how the waste bank has helped her manage her household waste more effectively.
“This waste bank has taught us to manage and make use of our household waste. What used to go straight into the trash is now sorted and saved—it even helps with grocery needs,” Maya said.
The initiative has also inspired broader environmental awareness. Beyond PT Timah employees, local residents are stepping up to protect their surroundings. The waste bank reflects a shared commitment to creating a safe, clean, and pleasant environment.
Dedi, another resident of the Division and Refinery complex, noted how the waste bank helps both the environment and his household finances.
“What used to be a household problem piles of waste is now something useful. Not only does it help reduce plastic waste, but it also adds to our income,” he said.
Support also comes from outside the company housing complex. Endah, a resident of Kampung Senang Hati, shared that the waste bank has been a big help.
“Our house often gets overwhelmed with trash, and sometimes we don’t know where to take it. The waste bank really helps it solves the trash problem and even adds to our shopping money,” she said.
Wahyu, from Belo Laut Village, added that proper waste management has improved health and sanitation in the area.
“We used to worry about diseases from unmanaged waste. Now, thanks to the waste bank, our homes are cleaner and we’ve realized waste can even be valuable,” he said.
This collaborative effort between PT Timah employees and local residents shows that environmental care can start at home and have a real impact. Through the Tanjung Elok Bersahabat Waste Bank program, PT Timah continues to promote environmental awareness in an innovative and sustainable way. (*)
