Efforts In Organic Waste Management, Recycling Waste Into Composing

The waste management process (VOI/Adelia)

JAKARTA - Organic waste management is an important aspect in preserving the environment. The Djarum Foundation through the Community Service program in Kudus, Central Java plays an active role in processing organic waste into quality compost.

One of the nursery teams, Astrid explained how this processing process took place, from sorting to the final stage of fermentation. At this processing facility, various types of organic waste are collected, such as market waste, the results of road sweeps, branches, and leaves. This was revealed during a visit to the Djarum BLDF Organic Processing Center (PPO).

"Here is the place where we processed the organic waste that has been collected," said Astrid, when met at the Djarum Oasis Kretek Factory, Bacin, Kudus, Central Java on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Large amounts of organic waste, especially from the results of tree care in Kudus, was sent by the Environment Agency for further processing. Garbage that enters this place undergoes several stages of processing.

"There are several input processes. The big ones are crushing machines. Dahan-dahan, large branches need to besured first so that they are smaller in size," explained Astrid.

"Meanwhile, the garbage from the road sweep is sorted first, because it often mixes with non-organic waste such as plastic, nails, or iron," said Astrid.

After the disbursement, the garbage is fit to separate the parts that are still rough so that they can be re-capped. Smooth organic waste is then mixed with food waste, chicken droppings as a source of nitrogen, as well as charcoal or charcoal.

"From there, we will go up for the mixing process, we will interfere with our starter. If so, it will be transported to the truck for fermented for six months with the white (large plate) closed," added Astrid.

Every day, this facility is able to process around 40-50 tons of waste before entering the fermentation stage. Dandy Mahendra, Djarum Foundation Environmental Service Officer Program said this program contributed greatly to reducing organic waste levels in Kudus.

"The organic content is almost 70%. Now based on the SIPSN (National Waste Management Information System) in 2023, there are only 48% in Kudus. About 20% of the organic decline is because we do processing every day," explained Dandy.

The success of this program cannot be separated from the participation of partners who are committed to sorting waste before processing. Dandy explained that this program has 370 partners, consisting of villages, public facilities, and schools, which routinely collect organic waste for processing.

"The partner's job is to sort out the garbage, we pick it up for free, there are nine fleets that go around every day," said Dandy.

In addition to being used for the Djarum Foundation environmental planting program, compost can also be provided free of charge to agencies or individuals who must meet certain requirements.

"If there are agencies or individuals who want to ask, they can apply for a form. If it is in accordance with the conditions, we will give it for free." added Dandy.

The Djarum Foundation's initiative to process organic waste into compost is a real step in creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment in Kudus. With processing capacity of up to 50 tons per day and support from hundreds of partners, this program not only reduces organic waste but also supports greening and environmental sustainability.