FPMIPA UPI Lecturer Helps Sariwangi Villagers Manage Waste with Technology

Waste is a big problem that must be addressed together. One way to deal with waste is by setting up a waste bank. A waste bank is a place where people deposit their separate waste from their homes. The deposited waste can be exchanged for money or other goods. Waste banks can also sell recyclable waste to other parties.

In Sariwangi Village, West Bandung Regency, there is a waste bank called Bank Sampah Berkah. This waste bank was created by residents of RW 16 in 2018. Every month, residents can deposit waste into this waste bank. The waste that is deposited will be recorded and counted. Residents can save money from the deposited garbage.

The team led by Dr. Rani Megasari, S.Kom., M.T. along with other lecturers namely Yaya Wihardi, M.Kom., and Dr. Yudi Wibisono, M.T. and several students who helped this program from the Computer Science Study Program targeted digitizing waste bank data from previously recorded manually, to be digitally documented. Digitalization aims to make it easier for waste bank managers to record customer savings and also make reports to the customers themselves. This digital system can be accessed by smart phones by waste bank managers and customers. In addition, the team also made an educational video about waste banks for residents. This video contains information about the benefits, methods, and tips for managing waste with waste banks. The video is expected to raise awareness and interest among residents to participate in the waste bank program.