PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The problem of waste is still a topic of conversation in society. Various efforts continue to be made not only by the government but also other agencies.

This is what PT Pegadaian does, which continues to encourage waste processing by maximizing waste banks in West Java. Collaboration continues to be carried out to reactivate waste banks in the community. This support is carried out by implementing Offline Waste Bank Consolidation at PT Pegadaian Kanwil X Bandung.

This collaboration is part of the Green Life Action Movement or waste charity. Waste alms from branch work units is one form of ESG implementation in the Environmental pillar which is one of the benchmarks for Pegadaian's awareness of the environment.

Regional Head of PT Pegadaian Regional Office X West Java Maryono said, as an initial stage, there are 12 waste banks that have collaborated with Pegadaian. In the future, it is hoped that the number will continue to increase, at least every Pegadaian branch in West Java collaborates with two waste banks.

"Inorganic waste in each branch can be processed by the waste bank. So it is hoped that the volume of waste disposed of in landfills can be reduced. "The trash is processed by the waste bank into compost, maggots and other recyclables," said Maryono, Monday (27/5/2024).

"In the next few months, every Pegadaian branch can collaborate with waste banks in Bandung City. "And for the initial stage, there are 12 waste banks that have collaborated with Pegadaian," he added.

Head of the Bandung City Environmental Service, Dudy Prayudi, appreciated the steps taken by PT Pegadaian Kanwil X Bandung by collaborating with the Waste Bank as an effort to reduce waste production.

“In Bandung City there are at least 200-300 waste banks. "From this number, there are still many waste banks that need to be collaborated with so that waste reduction can be more massive," said Dudy.

"We hope that this step can be followed by other agencies and institutions, as support for reducing waste in the city of Bandung," he added.

Dudy added that the Bandung City Government will give awards to agencies and institutions in Bandung City which are deemed capable of processing the waste they produce.

"There are several categories and assessments for agencies and institutions that are able to process their waste well. "With this award, there are many institutions or agencies in the city of Bandung that are supporting the Bandung City Government program in reducing waste," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Golden Friends Forum that Cares for Indonesian Waste (Forcepsi) Mina Dewi Sukmawati admitted that the number of waste banks managed by Pegadaian continues to increase. From initially only 75 waste banks, currently there are around 123 waste banks that have become fostered partners.

"Seeing the condition of the waste bank which was previously dormant and can move again with the support of all parties. Currently we are focusing on education because we see everyone is focused on treatment. "Meanwhile, they need education about its processing," he added. (Parno)