Strengthening waste recycling industry in Malang (Indonesia): Lessons from waste management in the era of Industry 4.0

Abstract

Over the past years, Malang (Indonesia) has encountered environmental problems due to municipal solid waste (MSW) overgeneration. Nevertheless, the increasing volume and complexity of MSW management in the city could be tackled using digital solutions. As a key location of ICT development, China is a key partner for Indonesia to improve its MSW management using digital technologies. As a miniature of China's sustainable waste management, Nanning represents a model of smart city that applies resource recovery paradigms using digitalization. Using a case-study approach, this work critically investigates how to strengthen waste recycling industry in Malang using digitalization-based circular economy (CE) according to Nanning's experiences in digitalizing waste recycling. It was found that lessons learnt from Nanning in MSW management were transferable and applicable for Malang to replicate its model, while paving the way forward for a transition towards a CE in waste sector. Traditionally, waste segregation at source was not properly conducted in Malang due to lack of environmental awareness and less public participation, while the waste management in Nanning is time-efficient and cost-effective. Nanning's experiences in digitalizing recyclable materials and/or recycled goods could facilitate Malang to shift towards a digitalization-based CE. Integrating automatic segregation and digitalization at waste banks is efficient in terms of time. With digitalization, over 90% of the solid waste in Malang is segregated properly, while diverting 60% of its non-biodegradable trash from landfills. Overall, the use of digital technologies has enabled waste banks to revolutionize waste industry, while promoting sustainable development at local level. To contribute their share to the UN SDGs, other cities in Indonesia are at their transition towards a digitalization-based CE. There is still a long way for them to attain full circularity and reap the benefits of digital transformation in the waste sector. Hence, it is necessary for stakeholders to promulgate effective policies and strengthen CE implementation on non-biodegradable waste through digital technologies.