KARIMUN -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to encourage public awareness of the importance of community-based waste management through its support for the Lanjut Berseri Waste Bank Group in Hamlet I, Sawang Laut Village, West Kundur District, Karimun Regency, Riau Islands Province.
Through this program, PT TIMAH and the local community are working together to educate residents about environmental responsibility by encouraging them to sort and utilize waste that still has economic value.
Dedi, Chairman of the Lanjut Berseri Waste Bank, said the waste bank, which was established less than a year ago, was created to help the community understand that waste does not always end up as trash but can be reused and generate economic value.
“Many people still believe that waste has no value. Through the waste bank, we want to educate the community that household waste such as plastic bottles and used packaging still has resale value if it is properly sorted and managed,” he said.
Currently, the Lanjut Berseri Waste Bank is managed by five administrators and operates every Thursday and Saturday. In addition to serving the general public, the program also targets students as part of an effort to instill environmental awareness from an early age.
One of the initiatives implemented is a waste-saving program for students at State Elementary School 009 Sawang Laut. Through this program, students are encouraged to collect recyclable waste with economic value, which can be deposited as savings and later exchanged for school supplies.
“Children are taught to sort waste from an early age. The waste they collect is recorded as savings and can later be exchanged for books and other school stationery,” Dedi explained.
According to him, waste management education is an important step because many people still do not understand the economic potential of the waste they generate every day.
At present, the collected waste is sold to recycling collectors due to limited processing facilities. Nevertheless, the waste bank has already made a positive impact by fostering new habits within the community.
“Currently, we do not yet have shredding machines or waste processing facilities. However, the most important thing is building public awareness first, so people understand that waste should be sorted and not disposed of carelessly,” he said.
Dedi believes PT TIMAH has played a significant role in developing the waste bank and improving public understanding of sustainable waste management practices.
“PT TIMAH has been very supportive, both through the development of initial facilities and ongoing guidance. With this assistance, people are beginning to realize that waste previously considered worthless can actually provide benefits and economic value,” he said.
He added that changes in community behavior are already becoming visible. Residents are now more accustomed to sorting household waste before depositing it at the waste bank, while teachers actively encourage students to participate in waste management initiatives.
“Alhamdulillah, people have started sorting their waste at home. We will continue building this awareness so that waste management becomes a beneficial culture for both the environment and the community,” he concluded. (*)
