TAKING CHARGE OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE: EXPLORING THE 'WASTEAPP' ANDROID APPLICATION
Abstract
The rapid increase in global populations has led to a corresponding surge in waste generation, particularly household waste in developing countries. Inadequate community awareness and understanding of the household waste sector further exacerbate this problem. Consequently, improper waste management practices, including lack of waste segregation, prevail, burdening the government with higher operational costs. Indonesia, including the province of Aceh, faces significant challenges with household waste, such as distant landfill locations, overflow of landfills, and inadequate waste transportation services. These issues result in adverse environmental impacts, including odor pollution, flooding, and health problems.
This research aims to address the waste management challenges in Aceh province by developing an innovative waste management program. The program empowers communities to actively participate in waste management by encouraging waste recycling, leading to a paradigm shift where waste is viewed as an economic resource. The research presents an application that enables people to track their daily household waste generation and discover the economic value of waste materials. Simultaneously, the integrated system of the application allows the government to obtain accurate data on waste generation and composition in their area.
Previous studies have explored waste management using information technology, such as monitoring poisonous gases from waste and employing the Internet of Things (IoT) to measure garbage bin volumes. However, this research goes beyond earlier efforts by developing an application that not only caters to the community but also assists waste operators and local governments. This approach enhances public awareness and active participation in proper household waste management, potentially leading to new income opportunities for the population.
