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Waste into Blessing: Establishing a Waste Bank as a Smart Solution for Waste Management and Economic Improvement at the ‘Aisyiyah Girls’ Orphanage, Riau
Original title: Sampah menjadi Berkah: Mendirikan Bank Sampah sebagai Solusi yang Cerdas Mengelola Sampah dan Meningkatkan Ekonomi di Panti Asuhan Putri ‘Aisyiyah Riau
Summary
Researchers set up a "Waste Bank" at an Indonesian orphanage, teaching kids and staff to sort and sell plastic waste instead of letting it pile up. Beyond the environmental cleanup, this matters because unmanaged plastic trash breaks down into microplastics that can contaminate water, food, and soil—posing potential health risks over time. The program shows a practical way communities can reduce that exposure while also turning trash into extra income.
Background: Plastic waste is a serious environmental problem, especially in busy areas like orphanages. ‘Aisyiyah Riau Orphanage produces large amounts of daily waste that is not managed well, which can cause environmental pollution and health risks. This community service program aims to improve the awareness, knowledge, and skills of the orphanage children in waste management by setting up a Waste Bank as an economic solution for plastic waste. The methods included forming a Waste Bank team, raising awareness about waste management, and guiding participants in sorting and weighing waste. The program involved 47 participants, including orphanage children, staff, students, and lecturers. Results showed better understanding of waste management among participants, the creation of a Waste Bank organizational structure, and active involvement from the environment near Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah organizations. The Waste Bank can improve environmental cleanliness and provide ongoing economic benefits for the orphanage. Conclusion: The Waste Bank offers real economic gains from selling waste and acts as a tool for sustainable environmental education.