Community Empowerment in the Management of Inorganic Waste through a Waste Bank Program in Muliawan Hamlet, Tegal Kertha Village, West Denpasar District, Denpasar, Indonesia

Aim: This study aimed to enhance community capacity in inorganic waste management through optimizing the Waste Bank program in Muliawan Hamlet, Tegal Kertha Village, West Denpasar, addressing high volumes of non-biodegradable waste.​ Study Design and Method: Employing a community service approach, the intervention included field observations, Waste Bank coordination, 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) socialization, technical training on waste-to-product conversion, and focus group discussions (FGDs) for operational planning. Participants comprised Waste Bank members, village officials, and university teams.​ Results and Discussion: Participants gained knowledge of 3R principles and skills to produce marketable prototypes like handicrafts and plant pots, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets. Institutional strengthening via AD/ART, role clarification, and financial systems reduced landfill waste, boosted participation, and initiated income generation, aligning with circular economy models.​ Conclusion: The program demonstrates Waste Banks as effective for sustainable waste management and economic empowerment, recommending ongoing partnerships for scalability.