Yogyakarta, October 23, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held a community service program as part of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative with the theme “Inorganic Waste Management.” This initiative aims to enhance public understanding of the negative impacts of inorganic waste and the importance of independent and sustainable waste management to support SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).
The Piyungan Landfill, which was permanently closed on May 1, 2024, due to exceeding its capacity, is one example of the waste management issues in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas. Before its closure, this landfill received around 742 tons of waste per day, far exceeding its ideal capacity of only 650 tons per day. As a result, waste piled up in depots and on roads, creating environmental and public health problems.
In facing this waste emergency, the community is expected to play an active role in waste management at the household and neighborhood levels. The PkM-MBKM team from the Faculty of Biology, consisting of Anissah Qurrotu Aini, Alma Puska Falasyifa, and Hafifah Nur Ainiyah, guided by Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., provided education and practical skills to the community in waste management, so that they can reduce their dependence on landfills and manage waste independently.
This community service program was attended by women members of the GEMI Cooperative in Grojokan Hamlet, Witokerto, Bangungapan, Bantul. The activity began with an educational session on the types of inorganic waste, mistakes in managing inorganic waste, and its impact on health and the environment. One of the topics discussed was microplastics, small particles that originate from plastic waste and can pollute the environment and enter the food chain.
The community also participated in practical training on making sofa cushions from plastic waste and flower decorations from used plastic bottles. This activity aimed to show that inorganic waste can be recycled into useful and potentially economically valuable products, while educating the community about the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R).
As part of efforts to improve air quality, participants also received plants that absorb air pollution. These plants are expected to help reduce the negative impact of air pollution, including that caused by the improper burning of waste.
Through this program, the Faculty of Biology at UGM hopes to encourage changes in community behavior in waste management, thereby creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.
