Solid waste management in Lake Toba area

Abstract

Lake Toba is a tourist area that continues to be developed, attracting local and foreign tourists. The increase in tourists visiting lake Toba affects the social and economic aspects and impacts the environment, one of which is the increase in waste generation. On the other hand, waste in the Tourist area is not well managed. This study determines the condition of existing waste management in the Lake Toba tourism area. Girsang Sipangan Bolong and Merek sub-districts were chosen as study area. This study found that waste management in both areas is not sustainable. The sources of waste come from residential and non-residential areas. The two regions manage waste independently. Some of the community’s waste handling includes burning, composting, separating kitchen waste for animal feed, and recycling. The two regions’ government is still trying to provide the best service in solid waste management, such as providing communal waste containers in public facilities and waste transportation to landfills. However, it was found that there are still many deficiencies that need to be fixed. Solid waste management in these two regions is still far from Indonesia’s standard.