Analysis of Changes in Community Behavior in Waste Management Through Zero Waste Community: a Case Study of Medan Perjuangan City

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Indonesia's waste problem is increasingly pressing, with 69.9 million tons of waste generated by 2023, more than a third of which remains unmanaged. Medan, one of the largest waste contributors, faces two challenges: limited landfill sites and a lack of awareness of household waste sorting. This study investigates how people change their waste management practices while living in a Zero Waste community in Medan Perjuangan District. A literature review highlights that environmental knowledge, attitudes, and awareness are crucial for shaping pro-environmental behavior. The review also highlights that the Zero Waste Indonesia (ZWID) community fosters social transformation. The study used mixed methods; a total of 20 respondents were selected from the Medan Zero Waste community. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. According to the study, Zero Waste principles remain ineffective, although awareness and environmentally friendly practices such as waste sorting and product reuse have increased. An effectiveness score below 50 was given to 95% of respondents, indicating that they have not yet implemented the ideal behavioral changes. The main obstacles are the habit of using single-use plastics, the lack of recycling infrastructure, and the lack of economic incentives. Zero Waste communities are crucial for driving behavioral change, but more people need to contribute through facilities, stricter regulations, and community incentive programs. To accelerate the transition to more participatory and sustainable household waste management, governments, communities, and civil society must work together.