Community Empowerment through Waste Bank Program as an Eco-Centric Approach to Environmental Management in Jururejo Village, Ngawi Subdistrict

Abstract

This community service activity was initiated in response to the growing problem of unmanaged household waste and low public awareness regarding sustainable waste practices in Jururejo Village, Ngawi Subdistrict, East Java. The main objective was to establish a community-based Waste Bank program that could simultaneously reduce environmental burden, improve waste management behavior, and create alternative economic opportunities for residents. The program was implemented using a participatory approach grounded in the Community-Based Environmental Management (CBEM) framework, which emphasizes active stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and collaborative planning. Key stages included socialization through village forums, technical training on waste sorting and composting, infrastructure development for a permanent Waste Bank facility, and continuous monitoring and evaluation using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Over six months, the initiative resulted in a 35% reduction in waste sent to landfills, increased community participation from 15 to 87 members, and the generation of monthly income through recyclable sales. In addition, the use of compost by local farmers demonstrated the program’s ecological benefits. The activity not only improved environmental literacy but also fostered social cohesion and empowered residents through structured engagement and skill development. The experience suggests that integrated community-based waste programs can be an effective model for other rural areas facing similar challenges. Future activities are recommended to focus on youth engagement, digital monitoring tools, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure scalability and sustainability