Adhitya Ryan Ramadhani, Purwo Kadarno, Sylvia Ayu Pradanawati, Byan Wahyu Riyandwita, Muhammad Akbar Barrinaya, Waskito Pranowo, Herminarto Nugroho

Empowering the Community through Household Waste Source Separation Education in Barengkok Village: A Pretest–Posttest Evaluation

Introduction

Empowering the community through household waste source separation education in barengkok village: a pretest–posttest evaluation. Empowering Barengkok Village residents: learn how participatory education improved household waste separation, organic waste management, and composting skills with significant gains.

Abstract

This community service program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of residents in Barengkok Village regarding household waste segregation at the source, particularly the separation of organic and inorganic waste, as well as basic on-site processing of organic waste at the household level. The implementation method employed a participatory educational approach through training sessions involving adult residents as the primary participants. The program integrated participatory instruction, hands-on demonstrations, including the establishment of a two-bin waste separation system and basic composting techniques, and pre- and post-assessments consisting of seven waste literacy items. Descriptive statistics indicated consistent post-session improvement across all items, with the most substantial gains observed in waste categorization and organic waste management skills. Participant surveys revealed very high perceived relevance and satisfaction, suggesting that the program was well received by the community. This initiative provides a practical and cost-effective model that combines clear procedures with simple supporting tools, including designated two-bin kits and a laminated kitchen guide, enabling households to operate more independently despite downstream collection limitations. The findings also suggest the need for a brief 4–6-week follow-up period, including bin placement monitoring, contamination assessment, and initial compost trials, as well as a strategy for village-level institutionalization through community advocates and a regular buy-back schedule for clean recyclables.

Review

This paper presents a timely and highly relevant community service initiative focused on enhancing household waste management practices in Barengkok Village. The program's objective to empower residents through education on source separation and on-site organic waste processing is clearly articulated and addresses a critical environmental and social challenge. The abstract effectively conveys the practical and hands-on approach adopted, leading to demonstrable improvements in participants' waste literacy and skills. The reported high levels of community satisfaction and perceived relevance underscore the successful engagement strategy employed, suggesting a well-received intervention with immediate positive impacts. The methodology, centered on a pretest–posttest evaluation design, provides a robust framework for assessing the educational intervention's efficacy. The participatory approach, integrating training sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and the provision of practical tools like two-bin kits and kitchen guides, is particularly commendable for fostering active learning and skill acquisition. The findings consistently show significant post-session improvement across all waste literacy items, with notable gains in waste categorization and organic waste management skills. This points to the effectiveness of the targeted educational content and delivery. Furthermore, the development of a practical, cost-effective model that allows households to operate independently in waste segregation, even in the face of existing downstream collection limitations, represents a significant achievement and a valuable contribution to sustainable waste management strategies. While the program demonstrates immediate success in knowledge and skill transfer, the abstract hints at the persistent challenge of "downstream collection limitations," which are critical for the long-term success of source separation initiatives. The proposed 4–6-week follow-up period, focusing on monitoring and initial trials, is a vital next step but may need to be expanded to fully assess sustained behavioral change and the actual impact on waste streams over a longer duration. Similarly, the strategy for village-level institutionalization through advocates and a buy-back schedule is promising but requires detailed planning regarding funding, logistics, and community engagement to ensure its long-term viability and scalability. Despite these inherent complexities, this initiative offers a compelling and replicable model for grassroots environmental education, providing valuable insights for communities seeking to improve their waste management practices through direct community empowerment.

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