Schools should be clean, healthy, and convenient places for every student and teacher. Yet, we often find various types of waste in school, including organic waste. 

According to data in Sistem Informasi Pengolahan Sampah Nasional (SIPSN) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, there are 9.8 million tons of unprocessed waste, or 38.03% of the total waste production every year.

Thus, it is crucial to start earlier from school. With this action, the youth and future generations can prepare themselves to maintain the environment. 

Did you know that ignored organic wastes actually have bigger potential if managed properly? Check this article to figure out the waste management in schools!

Examples of Organic Waste at School

Organic waste comes from natural and biodegradable materials. Here are some examples of organic waste at school: 

1. Leftover Food from Canteen

Leftovers, such as rice, vegetables, fruits, and meats, are nutrient sources for decomposing microorganisms. However, if they are not properly managed, they can attract flies and produce unpleasant odors. 

2. Dry Leaves and Branches

Fallen dry leaves and branches contain high carbon. Rather than being thrown away, you can use them for composting. 

3. Animal Waste

Animal waste from birds, cats, and rabbits contains good substances for soil fertilization. This kind of waste also can be disposed of on the land without a certain processing. 

Animal dung will enhance the soil and turn it into a natural fertilizer. Yet, its hygiene must be monitored to prevent it from spreading illness.

Read also: Is Throwing Waste in the Bin Enough to Solve the Trash Problem? 

Waste Management in School: A Guide to a Cleaner Environment

Now, you already understand some examples of organic waste at school. Next, you should know practical waste management in school to process organic scraps properly:

1. Collecting Organic Waste

The first thing to do is to provide a particular trash bin for organic waste at the canteen and other areas that produce organic waste. Make sure that everyone at school understands the right waste belonging to the trash bin.  

2. Sorting the Waste

The school needs to enlighten all people about the importance of sorting waste intensively. They must teach students to sort organic and inorganic waste. 

Every trash bin must be labeled clearly to make it easier to throw trash. Moreover, the school should monitor gradually to make sure that the waste sorting is properly executed. 

3.  Composting Organic Waste

Next, the school must provide a special area for composting, especially for creating biopores. The organic waste collected will be put into the biopore and buried with soil and water. 

Then, the biopore is sealed with soil. In weeks, the organic waste will turn into compost which is beneficial for fertilizing the school gardens. 

4. Implementing Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) must be implemented in organic waste management in schools. You can reduce the amount of organic waste by preparing food from home and avoiding the use of disposable packages.

5. Carrying Out Continuous Education

Last but not least, the school must hold a seminar or workshop about organic waste management in schools. 

Students can participate in waste management initiatives through environmental conservation organizations or environmental extracurricular activities.

Benefits of Organic Waste Management in Schools

The benefits of organic waste management in schools are not only about maintaining the environment clean but also as follows:

1. Creating Valuable Compost

You can transform organic waste into compost to fertilize the gardens at school. Organic waste, such as food scraps and dry leaves are good sources of nutrients for plants. 

Aside from composting, you can directly bury the organic waste into the land to let the natural decomposition process turn it into nutrients. 

2. Creating Crafts

Students can utilize organic waste like dry leaves to make crafts. Making handicrafts out of organic trash can help students develop their creativity and learn the value of using garbage creatively.

3. Producing Livestock Feed

Certain organic waste materials, such as leftover fruit and vegetables, can be turned into animal feed. To ensure that the health of livestock remains unharmed, it is essential to consider the type of cattle and the nutritional value of organic waste.

4. Becoming Potting Soil

Compost from organic waste management in schools can be utilized as potting soil. This organic soil is more environmentally friendly and can enhance the plant’s quality.

5. Becoming Learning Media

Organic waste management in schools can be an educative and interesting education for students, especially teaching them about recycling, environmental preservation, and maintaining the school clean.

It also can be integrated into subjects such as Science and Biology and extracurricular programs about protecting the environment. 

Overall, it may be concluded that organic waste management in schools has many advantages, from reducing waste to supporting learning activities and contributing to the environment. 

If you are interested in protecting the environment and supporting better waste management, you can become Warga Asri! Let’s find out how you can contribute to preserving the environment, especially at school!

In Indonesia Asri, there are various programs you can participate in, such as #SiPalingSustainable, which challenges you to do a sustainable lifestyle in a simple step. There are also fascinating rewards awaiting you! Let’s register yourself now and start a small step for bigger changes!

Read also: Waste in Indonesia: A Statistics Everyone Should Know!