Innovation in processing plastic waste to be used as paving blocks

¹ Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Cirebon, Indonesia
² Department of Informatics Engineering, University of Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Cirebon, Indonesia, Indonesia
³ Department of Accounting, University of Muhammadiyah Cirebon, Cirebon, Indonesia, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: tri.budi@umc.ac.id

Abstract

Community service activities titled “Training and Mentoring in the Production of Plastic Waste-Based Paving Blocks at the Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Dawuan Village” were conducted to enhance public awareness, Knowledge, and practical skills in managing plastic waste through innovative recycling. The program was implemented on 14 January 2025 at the TPA site in Dawuan Village, Tengah Tani Subdistrict, involving members of the local village-owned enterprise (Bumdes) and community residents. The activity included socialization and education, collection and sorting of plastic waste, processing using a smelter machine, and the production of paving blocks. The results showed an improvement in participants’ understanding, as indicated by the increase in average test scores from 16.15 (pre-test) to 28.70 (post-test), with an average N-Gain score of 0.44, categorized as medium. Out of 20 participants, 85% (17 respondents) showed moderate improvement, while 15% (3) showed low improvement. The practical training enabled participants to produce paving blocks using melted plastic waste mixed with used oil. The resulting blocks demonstrated acceptable compressive strength (up to 49 MPa), low water absorption, and good weather resistance, meeting basic construction standards. This initiative contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing landfill waste and offering an alternative to conventional building materials. Plastic waste in paving block production supports the concept of a circular economy and provides potential economic benefits for the local community. Despite challenges such as varying educational backgrounds and time constraints, the program successfully improved participants’ Knowledge and skills, laying the foundation for ongoing community-based waste management efforts.