Optimizing Waste Management Systems to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the Small Island of Kodingareng Lompo, Indonesia

Abstract

The absence of an optimal waste management system in small island areas significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially due to uncontrolled waste burning. This study aims to analyze the implementation of an integrated waste management system in reducing GHG emissions in Pulau Kodingareng Lompo. The analysis was conducted by comparing two conditions using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) approach and Global Warming Potential (GWP), namely the current (existing) waste management practices in Pulau Kodingareng Lompo and an alternative scenario that represents an integrated waste management system based on Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 97 of 2017, which targets 30% waste reduction and 70% waste handling. The results show that the waste reduction rate under existing conditions is only 1.37%, while waste handling reaches 98.63%, most of which ends up in open burning, disposed of into the sea, and landfilling practices. The alternative scenario shows a paradigm shift that treats waste as a resource, achieving 31.88% waste reduction and 68.12% waste handling through optimized waste management. Total GWP decreases from 124,302.56 kg CO₂e/year under existing conditions to 61,123.91 kg CO₂e/year under the alternative scenario, or a reduction of 50.83%. This reduction is caused by decreased CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions through improved waste management practices. The implementation of integrated waste management requires active support from local governments, communities, and waste management operators to achieve a clean and waste-free environment. This approach contributes to climate change mitigation in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate action and supports the sustainability of coastal ecosystems.