Waste bank system improvement for electronic waste recycling in Indonesia: A case study of Padang City

Abstract

Currently, Indonesia does not practice a formal management system for electronic waste (e-waste). The informal sector mostly conducts e-waste handling with limited concern for the environment and human health. The most challenging issue is establishing a collection system across the nation that is widely accepted by communities. Even though waste bank (WB) system does not practice e-waste collection, it may offer a solution since the system has been emerged as an accepted recycling program by Indonesian citizens. Therefore, this study discusses the WB system in collecting e-waste and proposes a model to connect with producers and/or recycling agents in Padang city. Field surveys and interviews with some key informants were conducted. E-wastes samples were identified to find the composition, recycling potency, market system in current and future management. The recycling potency of e-waste may reach 79% of total weight, while the hazardous content of 63%. WB must adopt a separate sales method to gain higher financial benefit. In order to establish a WB-based system for e-waste collection, the government must issue a national regulation on e-waste management and establish mutual cooperation between the local government, industries/producers, recycling industries, and communities.