EMPOWERING WOMEN WASTE BANK MANAGERS THROUGH WASTE UTILIZATION FOR HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS AT TERATAI WASTE BANK, RANGKAPAN JAYA BARU – DEPOK

Abstract

Waste management in urban areas is a strategic challenge requiring participatory and sustainable solutions. Teratai Waste Bank, established in 2014 with 100 active members, became the partner in this community service program aimed at strengthening the capacity of its managers through the utilization of organic and inorganic waste. Activities included training on the reuse of plastic bottles as hydroponic growing media, the introduction of vertical gardening, and the processing of organic waste into eco-enzyme liquid fertilizer. The method consisted of socialization, education on the 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) concept, hands-on practice, and technical assistance in the application of waste-based hydroponics. Results indicated improvements in both knowledge and skills. Of the 10 respondents, 80% attended the training, 60% understood the 3R concept, and 70% agreed that waste-based hydroponics could serve as an economic opportunity. In addition, one hydroponic community group was successfully established, representing an initial step toward sustainability. Overall, this program contributed to enhancing environmental awareness, reducing plastic waste sent to landfills, and strengthening circular economy practices through women’s empowerment at the community level.