Assessment of Current Waste Management Technology at Padang Karet Integrated Waste Processing Facility, Pagar Alam City: A Baseline Study for Sustainable Waste Management Transition

Indonesia is committed to achieving the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target by 2060, especially in the waste sector, through innovative waste management techniques. This study seeks to evaluate the existing waste management and processing technology at the Padang Karet Integrated Waste Processing Facility in Pagar Alam City, South Sumatra. This study uses observation methods, interviews with all parties related to waste, and analysis of waste composition data in 2024 through waste sampling. This research evaluates that 60.75% of waste is managed without any processing, and 39.25% of waste isn’t managed due to various obstacles, such as inadequate infrastructure, and is influenced by the socio-cultural conditions of the community. The waste management and processing system in Pagar Alam City without a sorting and recycling system, with organic waste reaching 45.6%, which poses a significant risk of CH₄, a greenhouse gas. This study suggests a phased approach based on circular economy principles, combining organic waste treatment technology with anaerobic digesters and mechanical recycling of plastic waste.