Several students from Universitas Gadjah Mada have created innovative tables and chairs made from plastic waste to solve the increasing plastic waste problem in Yogyakarta, especially in Juwangen Hamlet, Purwomartani Village, Kalasan District, Sleman Regency.
A team from the Student Creativity Program in Community Service (PKM-PM) developed this innovation in February.
The team consists of five students: Nadira Titania Efemy (Physics), Hanif Kudusuhada (Physics), Evandra Afif Naufal (Physics), Muhammad Isma Maqoli Ula (Industrial Engineering), and Calviendra Reiky Laksana (Civil Engineering), with one supervising lecturer, Eko Tri Sulistyani (FMIPA UGM).
In March 2024, the program received PKM funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to support community empowerment in achieving the globally promoted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This program was implemented in response to the closure of the Piyungan Waste Disposal Site (TPS) in July 2023, which was the only TPS managing household waste, especially plastic waste, from various areas in Yogyakarta.
The closure of the TPS significantly impacted the community, leaving them without a place to manage their waste and forcing them to manage waste independently to prevent accumulation.
However, this self-management method is considered ineffective, as most residents handle waste by burning it, which negatively impacts the environment and health.
Smoke from burning waste can cause air pollution, as it contains carbon dioxide and methane, leading to respiratory issues such as cough, asthma, and lung cancer.
“This program involves transforming plastic waste into tables and chairs that the community can use,” explained Nadira Efemy.
Other necessary materials besides plastic waste include cement, sand, and oil. These materials help bind the plastic, making the product dense and sturdy.
The production process begins with boiling oil until it reaches a boiling point, then adding plastic waste and stirring until the plastic melts. Next, sand and cement are added to make the mixture dense, like cake batter.
Once it becomes solid, the mixture must immediately be placed into molds before hardening, then pressed with a pressing tool until the surface is smooth. Finally, the mixture is left to harden by soaking it in water for 10-30 minutes.
For the handles or seats of the chairs and tables, iron bars and wooden blocks are screwed onto the bottom, forming strong and balanced tables and chairs.
Sapto, the chairman of the Juwangen Hamlet waste management volunteer organization, highly appreciates the “Waste Becomes Product” program. The Juwangen residents warmly welcome its implementation in their area.
Sapto stated that this program has positively impacted the community since the closure of the Piyungan TPS made it difficult for Juwangen residents to manage waste, especially plastic waste.
He also expressed his gratitude to the PKM-PM team from UGM for making tables and chairs from plastic waste, which can later be applied to the Juwangen community.
“This program has a very positive impact on us, as previously we only burned plastic waste to prevent accumulation, which caused air pollution and respiratory issues. We hope this program can continue to develop, not only in this hamlet but also in other hamlets, with us as an example of more beneficial plastic waste management,” said Sapto.
Author: UGM Sejuk Team
Editor: Leony