Rural Waste Management System in Southern Zone of Gunungkidul Regency

Abstract

TThe lack of waste services in rural areas forces locals to process waste conventionally and eventually damage the environment. Solid waste management in the rural area of developing countries has been less documented widely, in contrast to urban areas. This paper presents the descriptive analysis of rural solid waste management in the Southern Zone of Gunungkidul Regency (SZGR) that has grown in population and economy due to tourism development and accessibility quality improvement. The field survey was conducted in 18 randomly selected villages. 43 key informants were given structured questions related to operational, regulation, institutional, financing, and community participation in the waste management system. Relevant documents and reports were collected from relevant agencies. Primary and secondary data in the form of text, tables, graphs, and images were then analysed by qualitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the locals manage their waste by burning and dumping it in the backyard and illegally stockpiling. This conventional processing is due to the absence of regulations governing waste management at the village level. The organization responsible for waste management is The Cleanliness and Landscaping Technical Executor Unit. They only serve and collect levy fees in tourist areas and several public markets. Locals need socialization and assistance so that they can be independent in waste management. The rural solid waste management system in the SZGR has various weaknesses in every aspect. The formulation of ideal rural solid waste management requires a different approach from urban areas. Socio-cultural conditions and characteristics of the waste produced can be a consideration and further research.