From Trash to Money! IPB University Students Present “Berseri” Waste Bank
Waste has become one of the biggest challenges faced by the Sukasari community in Bogor City, especially household waste. Responding to this problem, IPB University Vocational School students from the Digital Communication and Media Study Program took the initiative to present the Berseri Waste Bank (Bersih Sukasari) program.
Through this Village Campus program, IPB University Vocational School students collaborate with the Founder of Bank Sampah Unit Siliwangi (Farm E-Ling) to become a driving force in overcoming waste management problems in the Sukasari area.
This program was carried out thanks to the support and collaboration of various parties, including the Sukasari village, RW, RT, lecturers, and IPB University students as the main drivers. Bank Sampah Berseri is present to encourage active community participation in waste management in order to create a clean and green environment and realize Waste-Free Sukasari.
“In the Berseri program, we not only held socialization and counseling on the importance of waste management and waste banks in Sukasari, but also established a new waste bank at Sukasari Dormitory for the community, especially the Sukasari RT 01 / RW 03 area,” said Danya Nur Munifah, a student representative.
This waste bank, she said, is expected to be a sustainable solution to the problem of waste management, as well as provide economic benefits for the community in Sukasari.
In the counseling session, residents were given an understanding of the concept of a waste bank, which is the processing of organic waste generated from sorting household waste through maggot cultivation. This process produces compost and new economic opportunities, such as animal feed, fish feed, and poultry feed.
“Thus, the waste bank not only reduces the volume of waste but also creates additional sources of income for Sukasari residents,” said Danya.
Farm E-Ling Founder, Dadang Sutarsa, emphasized his commitment to continue to promote this program in order to achieve the cleanliness of the Sukasari environment and the utilization of organic waste into profits. Bank Sampah Berseri is not only a waste reduction program, but also community empowerment to contribute directly in creating a clean environment.
In this socialization, participants learned about waste segregation, organic waste processing, and the results of maggot cultivation. In addition, residents were also invited to understand the importance of waste banks in supporting environmentally friendly lifestyles and improving the quality of life of the community.
Through the synergy between students and local residents, the “Berseri” program is expected to create a positive impact in terms of environmental cleanliness and empower residents in independent waste management. Waste-Free Sukasari is no longer just a dream, but a real step towards a better future. (*/Rz) (IAAS/Aly)