Social Aspects of Community

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 139 views

Exhausted Waste: Identification of Organic and Inorganic Waste Management Systems at the USU Faculty of Agriculture

The Alarming Reality of Waste Management in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra

Garbage, an inevitable problem in various places, including in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra (USU), has become a pressing concern. The increased volume of waste and lack of effective processing systems has the potential to cause environmental problems, including soil and water pollution. To find solutions, this research was conducted to identify the dominant factors needed in the organic and inorganic waste treatment system at the USU Faculty of Agriculture.

Understanding the Complexity of Waste Management

This study uses a system approach, which allows a comprehensive analysis of the problem. A system approach considers the interactions between various components, including the characteristics of waste, processing technology, environmental aspects, and social aspects of the community. Data was collected through observation, literature studies, questionnaire distribution, and interviews with stakeholders, including faculty members, students, and staff.

Characteristics of Waste in the USU Faculty of Agriculture

The results show that the characteristics of waste within the USU Faculty of Agriculture are dominated by organic waste, paper, plastic, and cardboard. Organic waste, which includes food waste and plant material, accounts for the largest proportion of waste generated. Paper, plastic, and cardboard waste are also significant contributors to the total waste volume.

Suitable Processing Technology for Organic and Inorganic Waste

Based on this analysis, suitable processing technology is applied is composting for organic waste and sorting for inorganic waste to be used as raw material for the recycling industry. Composting is a biological process that breaks down organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, while sorting is a mechanical process that separates inorganic waste into different materials, such as paper, plastic, and glass.

Environmental and Social Aspects of the Community

The system approach also identifies the environmental and social aspects of the community that affect the waste processing system. Environmental aspects, such as soil and water pollution, need to be considered in the processing system. Social aspects, including public awareness of the importance of waste management, stakeholder involvement, and the availability of infrastructure, are also critical factors.

Dominant Factors in the Waste Treatment System

The following are the dominant factors identified in this study, which are then visualized in the black box diagram:

*** Characteristics of waste ***: Dominant type of waste in the USU Faculty of Agriculture is organic, paper, plastic, and cardboard. *** Processing Technology ***: Composting for organic waste and sorting for inorganic waste is the most appropriate technology to apply. *** Environmental aspects ***: The effect of waste on the environment, such as soil and water pollution, needs to be considered in the processing system. *** Social Aspects of Community ***: Public awareness of the importance of waste management, stakeholder involvement, and the availability of infrastructure is an important factor.

Translating the Results into the Black Box Diagram

Black box diagrams become effective visualization tools to understand how these factors interact with each other in the waste treatment system. This diagram shows input (characteristics of waste), processes (processing technology, environmental aspects, and social aspects), and output (reducing the volume of waste, effective waste treatment, and community awareness).

Implementation and Solution

This study provides a strong basis for designing an effective waste treatment system within the USU Faculty of Agriculture. The implementation can be done in various ways, such as:

*** Educational Campaign ***: Increasing public awareness about the importance of sorting waste and organic waste treatment. *** Installation of trash bins ***: Providing separate trash bins for organic and inorganic waste in all areas of the USU Faculty of Agriculture. *** Formation of a Waste Bank ***: Coordinate inorganic waste collection to be recycled and sold. *** Cooperation with the Recycling Industry ***: Building cooperation with the recycling industry to process inorganic waste collected.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of waste and the factors that influence the waste treatment system. Implementation of a planned and sustainable system, involving all stakeholders, will produce more effective and sustainable waste management within the USU Faculty of Agriculture. The results of this study can be applied to other institutions and communities to improve waste management practices and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study provides a foundation for future research on waste management in the USU Faculty of Agriculture. Future studies can focus on:

Developing a more comprehensive waste management system that includes recycling and composting facilities.
Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of different waste management options.
Evaluating the effectiveness of educational campaigns and other interventions to improve waste management practices.
Investigating the impact of waste management on the environment and public health.

By addressing the complex issues of waste management, this study contributes to the development of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly campus community.
Frequently Asked Questions: Waste Management in the USU Faculty of Agriculture

Q: What is the main problem with waste management in the USU Faculty of Agriculture?

A: The main problem with waste management in the USU Faculty of Agriculture is the increased volume of waste and lack of effective processing systems, which has the potential to cause environmental problems, including soil and water pollution.

Q: What are the characteristics of waste in the USU Faculty of Agriculture?

A: The characteristics of waste in the USU Faculty of Agriculture are dominated by organic waste, paper, plastic, and cardboard. Organic waste, which includes food waste and plant material, accounts for the largest proportion of waste generated.

Q: What is the most appropriate technology to apply for organic and inorganic waste?

A: Composting for organic waste and sorting for inorganic waste is the most appropriate technology to apply. Composting is a biological process that breaks down organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, while sorting is a mechanical process that separates inorganic waste into different materials, such as paper, plastic, and glass.

Q: What are the environmental and social aspects of the community that affect the waste processing system?

A: Environmental aspects, such as soil and water pollution, need to be considered in the processing system. Social aspects, including public awareness of the importance of waste management, stakeholder involvement, and the availability of infrastructure, are also critical factors.

Q: What are the dominant factors in the waste treatment system?

A: The dominant factors in the waste treatment system are:

Characteristics of waste (dominant type of waste in the USU Faculty of Agriculture is organic, paper, plastic, and cardboard)
Processing Technology (composting for organic waste and sorting for inorganic waste is the most appropriate technology to apply)
Environmental aspects (the effect of waste on the environment, such as soil and water pollution, needs to be considered in the processing system)
Social Aspects of Community (public awareness of the importance of waste management, stakeholder involvement, and the availability of infrastructure is an important factor)

Q: How can the results of this study be applied to other institutions and communities?

A: The results of this study can be applied to other institutions and communities to improve waste management practices and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal. By understanding the characteristics of waste and the factors that influence the waste treatment system, institutions and communities can develop effective waste management systems that reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research can focus on:

Developing a more comprehensive waste management system that includes recycling and composting facilities
Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of different waste management options
Evaluating the effectiveness of educational campaigns and other interventions to improve waste management practices
Investigating the impact of waste management on the environment and public health

Q: What is the importance of waste management in the USU Faculty of Agriculture?

A: Waste management is crucial in the USU Faculty of Agriculture because it affects the environment, public health, and the overall quality of life. Effective waste management practices can reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment, while also promoting a healthy and sustainable campus community.

Q: How can individuals contribute to waste management in the USU Faculty of Agriculture?

A: Individuals can contribute to waste management in the USU Faculty of Agriculture by:

Sorting waste into organic and inorganic waste
Participating in educational campaigns and workshops on waste management
Reducing waste generation by using reusable products and minimizing packaging
Supporting the development of a comprehensive waste management system that includes recycling and composting facilities

By understanding the importance of waste management and taking action to reduce waste, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly campus community.