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Aiming to Find a Solution to Indonesia’s Waste Problem

Upcycle is a student organization that aims to tackle Indonesia’s environmental issues by providing environmental education to raise awareness in Indonesia’s schools about trash separation and recycling.

Every day, massive amounts of waste are generated in Indonesia, but there are no recycling systems in place or government-led efforts to teach people about trash separation. As a result, the waste treatment situation in Indonesia is dire. Landfills are over capacity, and the pollution of surrounding water sources is reaching peak levels. To transform this dangerous situation, Upcycle plans to raise awareness by educating children and encouraging the active use of local waste banks.

What is a waste bank?

A waste bank is an organization that educates people about environmental impact. Waste banks also purchase recyclable waste brought from peoples’ homes or other facilities and pass this waste on to recyclers. Collection boxes are set up at local schools by waste banks so that these schools can sell the waste they collect. The money they earn can be deposited like at a regular bank and then used to fund school activities. Upcycle wants to reduce the amount of waste generated by connecting schools with waste banks.

Although it has not been able to start in-country activities due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Upcycle is preparing by selecting and interacting with the schools where they will install collection boxes and recruit new members to their organization.

Through these activities, Upcycle hopes to help address Indonesia’s environmental issues and reduce the amount of trash that goes into landfills.