The UGM Faculty of Biology conducted a training on organic waste processing on Friday (August 25), receiving attendance from the Public Market Division of the Yogyakarta Trade and Industry Office, UGM Faculty of Pharmacy, and UGM Academic Hospital.
Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, expressed that the Yogyakarta Trade and Industry Office’s participation in this training aims to implement waste management in 29 markets in Yogyakarta following the temporary closure of the Piyungan Landfill some time ago.
At least 9 tons of improperly managed waste are produced daily from all markets.
“There needs to be alignment of efforts upstream and downstream. Upstream is important for continuous education and practice of waste sorting by the community to become a culture, while downstream, faculties and universities must continue to develop appropriate technology, especially for organic and residual waste processing,” the dean explained.
Professor Daryono added that the waste problem can be reduced if households are disciplined in sorting waste. Waste separation is done based on its type, organic and inorganic.
Public Market personnel Susilo mentioned that at least 29 markets are involved and planning to collaborate with the Faculty of Biology in waste management.
The waste collected at each market usually comes from vendors and the surrounding community, with the largest garbage found at the Giwangan Market and Beringharjo Market.
“The efforts that the managers can make since the Piyungan’s closure include limiting the amount of waste the community throws away at the market,” he explained.
The Faculty of Biology is committed to addressing organic waste issues in Yogyakarta. In managing waste from Yogyakarta markets, the faculty can accommodate at least 3 tons of waste each day and process it.
Waste degradation can take as little as one week with waste management technologies applied by the Faculty of Biology, including vermicomposting and black soldier fly, eco-enzymes, biofertilizer, Eco Lindi, etc.
The Faculty of Biology’s commitment to waste management targeting the Yogyakarta community reinforces UGM’s commitment to becoming an environmentally friendly campus and supporting the delivery of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Author: UGM Faculty of Biology
Editor: Ika