Analyzing household waste generation and its composition to expand the solid waste bank program in Indonesia: a case study of Medan City

Waste management is still a serious issue in developing countries including Indonesia. Various policies have been initiated to address the problem. Indonesia has a target called “Waste-free Indonesia 2020”. The implementation of recycling through waste bank programs is one of the policies attempted. Medan is one of the big cities in Indonesia that is currently working on improving its solid waste management system. This study aims to obtain data on the quantity and composition of household waste (HW) generated in Medan City and to ascertain their statistical relationship with geographic location and level of income. The composition of the waste influences its recycling potential when handled in a solid waste bank. A total of 424 households were selected from 8 different sub-districts. The waste generation is 0.222 kg/person/day. Of the total weight, organic waste formed the largest fraction at 61.35%, followed by plastic waste at 17.55%, paper at 8.20%, and other materials. The amount of HW generated in each geographic location was different, but it has no significant difference within the different income level. Based on the data obtained, as much as 90.05% could be recycled or composted through the solid waste bank.