Household Plastic Waste Recycling: A Pathway to a Sustainable Green Economy

¹ Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia
^2,3 Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: endahsaptuty@umy.ac.id

Abstract

Improper handling and management of plastic waste led to various adverse environmental impacts. This research aimed to evaluate the community’s awareness, practices, and attitudes regarding solid waste management programs in Wonokromo II, Bantul, Indonesia. Additionally, it sought to investigate the relationship between respondents’ characteristics and their strategies for managing plastic waste. The study employed a post- program questionnaire survey method, involving forty-four households. Through a validated, self- administered instrument, data was collected and analyzed. The findings revealed an enhanced public understanding and awareness of waste sorting post-training. Households demonstrated awareness of existing solid waste management programs, engaged in waste sorting, and utilized machines to shred plastic waste, facilitating recycling into more useful products. The study underscores the challenges posed by insufficient plastic waste processing and suggests potential remedies to foster a healthier environment and mitigate climate change impacts.