Rethinking Waste

Indonesia’s waste collection system is undergoing significant development. The government is gradually taking on more responsibility, while private initiatives and the informal waste sector continue to play an important role. Waste collectors are a vital part of the recycling system, yet they are often insufficiently considered in formal solutions. Wahu is therefore exploring how waste collection can be organised more sustainably and efficiently, and how the position of waste collectors can be strengthened in the process.

How can waste bring people together? The designers are exploring how social connection and collective action can contribute to better waste management, and how waste initiatives can also strengthen communities. They are looking at the role of local communities, waste collectors and organisations such as Wahu, as well as what is needed to make waste separation and collection part of everyday life.

Wahu and Dutch Design Foundation selected Mayra Kapteijn, Noud Sleumer, Ade Amelia and Dhania Yasmin. The team consists of two Dutch and two Indonesian designers with backgrounds in social design, strategic design, architecture, urban design and design research.

As a first step, the designers travelled through Indonesia for two weeks, meeting waste collectors, communities, changemakers and other stakeholders. During their field research, they saw how collective action, local leadership and shared ownership can play an important role in waste management. These insights formed the starting point for further developing the challenge.