Circular Economy Increasingly Targeted, Recyclers Collect 29 Million Kg of Plastic for Recycling

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The contribution of scavengers to the circular economy is considered increasingly strategic amid the increasing need for recycled raw materials.

The Sustainability for Resource Collectors Initiative (SuRCI) Foundation has recorded that its resource collectors have collected more than 29 million kilograms of plastic waste, equivalent to about 1.4 billion plastic bottles, which have returned to the recycling industry chain.

The data was conveyed during the 2026 Resource Collectors Meeting and Appreciation event held jointly with the Indonesian Collectors Association (IPI) in Bantar Gebang, Bekasi, and was attended by around 100 collectors.

In addition to supplying raw materials for the recycling industry, SuRCI assesses that scavengers have a major contribution in supporting the transition to a circular economy while reducing the burden of national waste management.

Since its establishment in 2016, the organization has empowered more than 11,514 resource collectors, working with 660 communities, and running 11 social programs covering health, education, food security to financial access.

Despite playing an important role in the circular economic chain, the welfare of scavengers is still a challenge. SuRCI notes that about 64% of scavengers live below the poverty line, while 42% do not have health insurance.

SuRCI Indonesia Country Manager Annisa Fauziah said that strengthening social protection is an important part of increasing productivity while strengthening the contribution of scavengers to the circular economy.

"We want to ensure they have equal access to social services and economic opportunities," he said.

During the activity, SuRCI also provided digital literacy education, socialization of BPJS Employment, and awards to scavengers with the largest contribution to material collection.

This program has received support from Niagara Cares which since September 2025 has helped more than 1,100 resource collectors in Indonesia, distributing 6,374 food packages, and providing 739 access to BPJS Employment.

IPI Chairman Pris Polly said scavengers are the main actors in the circular economy chain, so they need to get social protection and wider economic recognition.